From "God's Influencer" to Sainthood: The Remarkable Journey of Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis, known as "God's influencer," is set to become the first millennial saint. Unfiltered News explores his remarkable journey and the miracles attributed to him.
In a groundbreaking move, the Catholic Church is set to canonize Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who died in 2006 at the age of 15. Known as "God's influencer" for his exceptional skill in spreading the church's teachings online, Acutis will become the first millennial saint in history.
Two miracles attributed to Carlo Acutis by Pope Francis paved his path to sainthood. The first miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian child suffering from a congenital pancreatic disease, which led to Acutis' beatification in 2020. The second miracle, recently approved by the Pope, concerned the healing of a university student in Florence who had suffered head trauma and bleeding on the brain.
Born in London, Acutis spent much of his childhood in Italy, where he passed away in Monza after being diagnosed with leukaemia. His body was later moved to Assisi and is currently on full display alongside other relics linked to him.
Acutis' legacy extends far beyond his short life. He was known for designing websites for his parish and school, but his most significant contribution was launching a website documenting every reported Eucharistic miracle. This website, which went live just days before his death, has since been translated into multiple languages and has served as the basis for a travelling exhibition showcasing his work.
Acutis' life and work impact has been felt globally, including in the United Kingdom. In 2020, the Archbishop of Birmingham established the Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis, incorporating churches in Wolverhampton and Wombourne. A statue of the soon-to-be-saint can also be found in Carfin Grotto, a Roman Catholic shrine in Motherwell, Scotland.
The process of recognizing a miracle is rigorous, typically requiring months of investigation and assessment. For an event to be deemed a miracle, it must be seen as an act beyond what is possible, such as the sudden healing of a person on the brink of death. With two miracles now attributed to him, Carlo Acutis has met the criteria for sainthood.
The most recent person canonized was Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, also known as Mama Antula, an 18th-century religious sister who became Argentina's first female saint.
As the Catholic Church prepares to canonize Carlo Acutis, his story inspires many, particularly young people. His dedication to spreading the faith through modern means and his unwavering devotion to the church, even in the face of a terminal illness, have made him a role model for a new generation of Catholics.
The canonization of Carlo Acutis is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the potential for individuals to make a lasting impact, regardless of their age or the length of their lives. As the first millennial saint, Acutis will continue to inspire and influence people worldwide, just as he did during his remarkable, albeit short, life.
