Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old British-Italian boy who died from leukemia in 2006, is set to become the Catholic Church’s first saint of the millennial generation. His mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, describes him as “ordinary” and says he was like any other teenager struggling to fit in at school.
However, his extraordinary quality was that he opened his heart to Jesus and put faith first in his life. He used this skill to spread the good news and help people have more faith. Carlo was committed to helping those in need and asked his parents to donate to the poor. He also had a profound impact on others, with reported miracles attributed to his intercession.
Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, who leads the Catholic diocese of Assisi, praises Acutis for giving young people an example of the true Christian image. He says that when we are saved by Jesus, we must be joyful and happy. Despite his mother’s concerns about the commercialization of his relics, the bishop believes Acutis’ legacy is one of inspiration and hope.
Tens of thousands are expected to attend Carlo’s canonization service in St. Peter’s Square on April 27, with Vatican officials hoping Pope Francis will preside. The young believer, Emanuele Iaquaniello, says seeing a fellow teenager who became a saint was an inspiration and symbol of strength for all people.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italian-teen-set-be-first-millennial-saint-was-ordinary-child-says-mother-2025-04-15