Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis to Be Canonized in September

Pope Leo XIV has declared that Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church, will be canonized on September 7th. This announcement was made during a consistory, a gathering of cardinals convened to determine the dates for the canonization of several new saints.

Carlo's canonization was originally scheduled for April but was delayed following the death of Pope Francis. He passed away in northern Italy in 2006 at the age of 15, after a short battle with leukemia. He has become incredibly popular, especially among young Catholics, who have been visiting his tomb in Assisi in large numbers.

Despite enjoying typical teenage activities like hiking, video games, and spending time with friends, Carlo also taught catechism in his local parish and reached out to the homeless. He utilized his computer skills to create an online exhibit featuring over 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church throughout history.

His tomb in Assisi has become a significant pilgrimage site, particularly during the ongoing 2025 Holy Year. The tomb features a glass coffin, allowing visitors to see Carlo dressed in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt.

The outpouring of devotion has even surprised the Bishop of Assisi, the Rev. Domenico Sorrentino. He described the scene as a "volcano of grace erupting," highlighting the contrast to the relative obscurity of the Santuario della Spogliazione just two decades ago. The once "forgotten" church is now a vibrant center of pilgrimage due to Carlo's inspiring story. Over the past year, more than a million pilgrims have paid homage to the teen, drawn by "his smiling way of living our faith," according to Rev. Sorrentino.

In setting the September 7th date, Pope Leo also announced that Acutis would be canonized alongside another Italian Catholic, Pier Giorgio Frassati, who also died young at the age of 24 after contracting polio.