The Vatican has officially declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian boy who passed away in 2006 from leukemia, as the first millennial saint within the Catholic Church. Acutis was recognized for his unique blend of faith and technology, using his skills as a computer whiz to bring Catholic teachings into the digital realm. During his illness, he developed a multilingual website that documented accounts of Eucharistic miracles, which are events where believers claim the bread and wine used in Mass transform into the actual body and blood of Christ.
This recognition was made alongside Pier Giorgio Frassatti, a young man who died in 1925 and is known for his service to the poor and active involvement in Catholic associations. The canonization marks a significant shift in the Church’s approach, emphasizing the role of modern technology and youth engagement in promoting faith. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the focus on Eucharistic miracles, suggesting it may divert attention from broader aspects of the faith.
In recent months, the Vatican has been actively working on reaching younger audiences through digital initiatives, including a recent event that gathered over 1000 Catholic influencers. This initiative includes the promotion of ‘hot priests,’ a term used for clergy who gained popularity not only for their teachings but also for their appearance on social media. The decision to canonize Acutis reflects the Church’s evolving strategy to connect with a new generation of believers through digital means and youth involvement.