Pope Francis announced the recognition of a miracle attributed to Bl. Carlo Acutis, clearing the way for the Italian teenager’s canonization in the near future. Acutis, a devout Catholic known for creating a website to document Eucharistic miracles, died at the age of 15 in 2006. After his passing, a miracle attributed to his intercession was recognized by the Vatican in 2013, leading to his beatification in 2020. With the second recognized miracle, Pope Francis will convene a consistory of cardinals to deliberate Acutis’ canonization. Once canonized, Acutis will become the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church and is admired for his joyful witness to holiness in the digital age.
Acutis’ life provides Christians with a concrete example of sanctity in the 21st century. By grounding his life in prayer and the sacraments, Acutis approached technology in a healthy manner. His desire for people to understand the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist fueled his mission of evangelization. Many, including author Katie McGrady, find inspiration in Acutis’ faith and evangelistic efforts. McGrady noted the relatability of Acutis as a millennial, imagining him experiencing similar pop culture moments and maintaining his faith in the ’90s and 2000s. The witness of this millennial saint serves as a beautiful gift to the world.
The process of canonization in the Catholic Church begins five years after a person’s death, culminating in the recognition of exceptional lives. Once approved by the Vatican and declared venerable, the individual must be credited with a miracle attributed to their intercession for beatification. A second approved miracle allows for canonization and the title of saint. Acutis’ second recognized miracle involved the healing of a young woman from Costa Rica who suffered a severe head injury in a bike accident. Her recovery, which doctors deemed miraculous, was attributed to Acutis’ intercession.
The miraculous healing of the Costa Rican girl involved a rapid and unexplainable recovery following a serious head injury. After praying at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, the girl’s mother saw her daughter begin breathing on her own, despite doctors’ previously grim prognosis. The injured girl’s rapid recovery, full rehabilitation, and the disappearance of hemorrhaging were further signs of a miracle. The girl’s mother later made a pilgrimage to Acutis’ tomb to express her gratitude. While no specific date has been set for Acutis’ canonization, it could potentially occur on the anniversary of his death in October.
The recognition of Acutis’ miracles and forthcoming canonization are causes for great joy among Catholics worldwide. Acutis’ evangelistic zeal, devotion to the Eucharist, and positive witness to holiness in a digital age make him a beloved figure in the Church. By embodying the principles of prayer, sacraments, and evangelization, Acutis’ life serves as a compelling example of living out sanctity today. The acclaim surrounding Acutis’ canonization underscores the ongoing relevance of saints in the modern world and their ability to inspire others to embrace holiness in their daily lives.
Overall, the journey towards Bl. Carlo Acutis’ canonization illustrates the profound impact of his life and the miracles attributed to his intercession. As the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church, Acutis is celebrated for his unwavering faith, evangelistic efforts, and genuine devotion to the Eucharist. The recognition of Acutis’ miracles, particularly his role in the healing of a young woman, underscores the power of prayer and intercession in the Catholic tradition. The anticipation surrounding Acutis’ canonization highlights the enduring relevance of saints as exemplars of holiness and sources of inspiration for believers worldwide.
