Blessed Carlo Acutis continues to inspire millions with his holiness, love for the Eucharist, and ability to use modern technology for evangelization. Born in 1991 and beatified in 2020, Carlo offers a unique connection between timeless Catholic values and today's digital generation.
Unlike many other blesseds or saints from centuries past, Blessed Carlo Acutis grew up with the internet and video games. He used those tools not for distraction, but for building an online Eucharistic exhibition, spreading Catholic teaching across the globe. His story resonates deeply with young Catholics, showing that sanctity remains possible in the modern world.
Who Was Blessed Carlo Acutis?
Blessed Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, though his family soon moved back to Milan, Italy. From an early age, he displayed a deep love for Jesus, especially the Eucharist. He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and went to confession weekly. His faith wasn't the result of religious pressure—his parents were only nominally Catholic at the time—but stemmed from personal devotion.
He taught himself how to code and built websites by the age of 12. One of his most well-known projects, the Eucharistic Miracles of the World website, documents various Church-approved miracles. The site has since reached countless people and has been translated into multiple languages.
Carlo also loved animals, soccer, and video games. But he never let hobbies distract him from his spiritual life. He told his parents, "I'm happy to die, because I've lived my life without wasting even a minute on things that don't please God."
He died on October 12, 2006, from acute leukemia. Before his death, he offered his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and for the Church.
Why Was Blessed Carlo Acutis Beatified?
The Church doesn't take beatification lightly. To declare someone "Blessed," the Church must recognize a miracle attributed to the individual's intercession. In Carlo's case, a young boy from Brazil was healed of a rare pancreatic disease after praying for Carlo's intercession. The Vatican confirmed the miracle and moved forward with the beatification process.
Pope Francis beatified Carlo Acutis on October 10, 2020, in Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. The ceremony included young people from across Italy and beyond. Carlo's body, displayed in Assisi, wears jeans and sneakers—a powerful symbol that holiness looks different in every generation.
Carlo's beatification makes him the first "millennial Blessed," and soon to be the first millennial saint. His story invites people to recognize sanctity not as a relic of the past, but as a living possibility in the present.
Lessons from Blessed Carlo Acutis for Today's Catholics
Blessed Carlo Acutis offers more than inspiration—he provides a roadmap for modern sanctity.
Live with Purpose
Carlo famously said, "All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies." He urged others to embrace their God-given identity and purpose. He didn't try to imitate saints mechanically. Instead, he followed their virtues in a way that fit his own life.
Make Time for Prayer and Sacraments
Despite a full schedule of school, sports, and computer projects, Carlo never skipped Mass. He prioritized the Eucharist and said, "The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven." He went to confession regularly and spent time before the Blessed Sacrament.
Use Technology to Evangelize
Carlo used his digital talents to spread the Gospel. He created websites, edited videos, and taught others how to share Catholic content online. In a world full of digital noise, Carlo created a space for truth and beauty.
Embrace Suffering with Trust
Even in his final days, Carlo never complained. He accepted his illness with peace and offered it to God. His strength came from prayer, the sacraments, and his deep relationship with Christ.
How Blessed Carlo Acutis Inspires the Digital Generation
Many Catholics—especially teens and young adults—struggle with feeling out of place in the Church. Saints often seem too far removed from their lives. Blessed Carlo Acutis breaks that barrier.
He played PlayStation, had a sweet tooth, and loved hanging out with friends. But he also talked to God throughout the day, never missed Mass, and chose modesty and humility over popularity. His life reminds youth that they don't need to wait to become holy—they can start now, in the life they're already living.
Catholic schools, youth ministries, and confirmation programs now frequently teach about Carlo. His story helps young people see the relevance of their faith in a world full of distractions. He proves that sanctity doesn't mean giving up who you are, but becoming who God created you to be.
Visiting the Tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis
Pilgrims from around the world now visit Carlo's tomb in Assisi. His body lies in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where many come to pray, reflect, and ask for his intercession. The visit allows people to connect with someone close in age, culture, and spirit. Many pilgrims leave feeling a renewed sense of vocation and peace.
His tomb has become a popular destination not just for Italians, but for Catholics from across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Assisi, long associated with St. Francis, now has another young light shining from its soil.
Canonization Confirmed: From Blessed to Saint
Carlo Acutis's path to sainthood reached a major milestone in 2024 when Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to his intercession. This miracle involved a woman from Costa Rica who prayed at Blessed Carlo's tomb in Assisi in July 2022. With two confirmed miracles, the Vatican has scheduled Carlo's canonization for September 7, 2025.
This historic canonization will make Carlo Acutis the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church's history. The announcement has generated tremendous excitement among young Catholics worldwide, who see in Carlo a saint who truly understands their generation's challenges and opportunities.
In the meantime, his example continues to grow. Books, documentaries, and websites now share his life story. Statues, rosaries, and medals bearing his name appear in parishes, classrooms, and homes.
Final Thoughts
Blessed Carlo Acutis bridges the past and future of the Catholic Church. His love for the Eucharist, dedication to prayer, and mastery of digital tools make him an icon for today's faithful—especially the youth.
He reminds all Catholics that holiness isn't about age, status, or background. It's about faithfulness, love, and a heart turned fully toward God. Soon, as Saint Carlo Acutis, he will continue to inspire countless souls seeking sanctity in the modern world.
Carry a symbol of devotion and daily prayer inspired by Blessed Carlo Acutis.
