The Vatican has postponed the canonization of Carlo Acutis, set to become the first millennial saint, following the passing of Pope Francis. Acutis’ canonization was initially scheduled for the upcoming Sunday during the Jubilee celebration for teenagers.
In the months leading up to this highly anticipated event, many faithful have made pilgrimages to Assisi, Italy, where Acutis’ body is displayed in a sanctuary dressed in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt. He passed away at the age of 15 in northern Italy in 2006 after a brief battle with leukemia.
The journey toward sainthood for Acutis began over a decade ago, initiated by a group of priests and friends. This process was formally recognized shortly after Pope Francis began his papacy in 2013. In 2018, Acutis was declared “venerable” when the Church acknowledged his virtuous life. His remains were interred in the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione in Assisi, a site closely associated with the life of Saint Francis.
In 2020, Acutis was beatified following the Vatican’s recognition of a miraculous healing attributed to him: a Brazilian child who recovered from a “scientifically inexplicable” condition. Last year, the Church recognized a second miracle— the complete recovery of a Costa Rican student who had suffered a severe head injury in a bicycle accident. Her mother had prayed at Acutis’ tomb.
Acutis, an Italian teenager, utilized his computer skills to create an online exhibition documenting more than 100 Eucharistic miracles acknowledged by the Church over the centuries, focusing on the belief in the real presence of Christ in consecrated bread and wine. He also taught catechism and engaged in outreach to the homeless.
The Jubilee Mass for teenagers, anticipated to attract tens of thousands of faithful, will proceed as planned. It is part of the Holy Year celebrations that began in December, which the Vatican announced would continue with some modifications.
