Carlo Acutis, a teenager from Milan, has been canonized as the first millennial saint in a ceremony led by Pope Leo. Acutis, who died of leukemia at the age of 15, is known for his efforts in using technology to document Catholic miracles, leading to the nickname “God’s influencer.” His canonization, originally scheduled for April 27, was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis.
Acutis was born in London in 1991 and moved to Italy with his family when he was six months old. During his brief life, he displayed an interest in technology and created a website cataloging miracles associated with the Catholic faith. More than a million pilgrims are believed to have visited Assisi, where his body is preserved in wax, showcasing the impact of his legacy.
In London, Our Lady of Dolours Church, where he was baptized, has seen an increase in visitors since the announcement of his canonization. This church features a shrine with a relic containing a strand of his hair. Father Paul Addison, a friar at the church, noted that Acutis was a significant but brief presence in the parish.
Mother Antonia Salzano has spent years advocating for her son’s recognition as a saint, with two miracles attributed to him by Pope Francis. One miracle involved a cancer patient reportedly healed after praying to him. Following the canonization events, some supporters found themselves attending Pope Francis’s funeral instead.
The Vatican’s expedited process for Acutis’s saint status has raised questions about the motivations behind the decision, particularly in its aim to engage young people in the faith. The impact of his canonization on the Catholic community remains to be seen.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yg5me8dvlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss