Vatican to canonize first millennial saint Carlo Acutis in September

The Vatican has made a historic announcement, revealing that the first millennial saint will be canonized in September. Pope Leo XIV shared the news during a meeting with cardinals, stating that Carlo Acutis will be inscribed into the Book of Saints on September 7. Acutis tragically passed away at the young age of 15 in Northern Italy after battling leukemia in 2006.

Before his passing, Acutis was set to be canonized on April 27 during the Vatican’s Jubilee of Teenagers. His life was marked by his dedication to the church and community, as he spent his time teaching Catholicism at a local church and volunteering to help the homeless. Additionally, Acutis showcased his computer coding skills by creating a website that highlighted over 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the church.

Acutis’ mother, Antonia, shared a touching story of intercession involving her son after his death. She revealed that after losing hope of having more children, she dreamt of Carlo telling her that she would become a mother again. Miraculously, she became pregnant just one month later. This story of intercession was just the beginning, as a second miracle was recognized by the Vatican on May 23, 2024.

The second miracle involved a young Costa Rican woman named Valeria Valverde, who suffered a serious brain injury in a bicycle accident while living in Florence, Italy. Despite not being expected to survive the injury, Valverde made a full recovery after her mother visited Acutis’ tomb and prayed for his intercession.

Acutis’ tomb, located in Assisi, has become a frequent pilgrimage site for Catholics, especially the younger generation. His upcoming canonization will see him join the blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati in the Book of Saints.

The story of Carlo Acutis is a testament to his unwavering faith, selflessness, and the power of intercession. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift individuals around the world.