Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis Stolen in Venezuela, Prompting Investigation

A relic of Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, was stolen from a parish in western Venezuela. The theft was confirmed by the coordinator of a youth group dedicated to Acutis, known as "God's Influencer." The missing item is a small, circular piece of cloth.

The disappearance was reported on September 9th by staff at the Santo Domingo de Guzmán parish in the Cardenal Quintero municipality of Mérida state. The coordinator of the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group stated that the relic is still missing, but they maintain faith in its return, recognizing its significant spiritual value.

The relic vanished just two days after Pope Leo XIV declared Acutis a saint. Acutis, a 15-year-old computer expert, is seen as a role model for young Catholics, utilizing technology to spread his faith. The stolen cloth is a "third-degree relic," meaning it is an object that has been touched by the saint.

Police are currently investigating the disappearance. The Catholic Church has previously spoken out against the online sale of Carlo Acutis' relics. Acutis was first named "venerable" in 2018 and then "blessed" in 2020. He was canonized on September 7th during a Mass in St. Peter's Square.

Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006, was born in London in 1991. He gained the nickname "God's Influencer" for his website documenting Eucharistic miracles recognized by the church. The Venezuelan youth group had requested the relic when Acutis was declared blessed, a step before sainthood.