Pilgrims from around the world are flocking to the medieval town of Assisi, where St. Francis and St. Clare once walked, to honor the Catholic Church’s newest saint: Carlo Acutis. The 15-year-old Italian boy, known for his deep Eucharistic devotion and pioneering use of the internet for evangelization, will be canonized on April 27. His life and legacy are already drawing millions closer to Christ.
Maria Rosario Riccio, a mother and educator visiting Assisi with a youth group, captured the essence of Acutis’ appeal: “St. Francis, St. Clare, of course, important saints who marked an epoch – but that’s far removed from today’s teens. Carlo is like the kids… He’s a near-saint of our time, who can show teens that it’s possible to love Jesus while being a regular youth,” according to the Associated Press.
Inside the Santuario della Spogliazione, where Acutis’ body lies on display dressed in jeans, a sweatshirt, and sneakers, visitors find themselves drawn to his unassuming holiness. Assisi’s bishop, Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, described the devotion surrounding the young saint as nothing short of miraculous: “I’m seeing here a volcano of grace erupting … I can’t believe my eyes.”
Acutis’ mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, recalls her son as an ordinary boy with an extraordinary faith. Though raised in a wealthy Milanese family, he shunned luxury, choosing instead to donate his belongings to the poor and teach catechism at his parish. “Carlo wasn’t an alien, he was a normal person. But if it’s illuminated by the light of Christ, a life becomes extraordinary,” she explained. One of his favorite sayings was, “Everyone is born an original, but many die photocopies.”
Even in his teenage years, Acutis was committed to his faith, attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, and spending time in Eucharistic adoration. His passion led him to create an online exhibition documenting Eucharistic miracles throughout history, a project that has since been displayed in thousands of parishes worldwide. Rev. Enzo Fortunato noted that Acutis “prophetically realized that today the public squares are online, on the Web… That’s where youth are, that’s where people are, so he lives and brings the Gospel in those squares.”
Carlo’s impact continues beyond his death. One of the miracles attributed to his intercession involved a Costa Rican student who was healed from a bicycle accident after her mother prayed to him. For those who visit his shrine, his presence offers peace and encouragement. “Carlo Acutis gives us peace,” said Sabina Falcetta, a frequent visitor. “Most importantly he gives us the certainty that God is a good father. And you can’t ask for more.”
Acutis’ story resonates deeply with young Catholics. Veronica Abraham, a catechist, teaches about his charity and kindness, emphasizing that even small gestures, like saying “ciao” to a lonely person, reflect Christ’s love. Her son, 13-year-old Mario Girardi, has been inspired by Acutis’ witness. “He spoke with everyone, didn’t let anything bother him but helped everyone,” he said. While he isn’t considering the priesthood, he hopes to remain faithful and, as he put it with a grin, “Never say never, who knows.”
As the Church prepares to officially recognize Carlo Acutis as a saint, his life stands as a testament to the power of simple, joyful faith. In an era when young people often drift away from religion, his story proves that holiness is still attainable—even in jeans and sneakers.
Carlo Acutis is a true inspiration for today’s youth! His love for the Eucharist and use of technology for evangelization show that holiness is possible in everyday life.