Blessed Carlo Acutis, often hailed as the “patron saint of the web,” is set to be canonized following the attribution of a new miracle by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Vatican body responsible for beatification and canonization. Born in 1991 and succumbing to leukemia in 2006, Carlo's remarkable life continues to inspire many, leading to his imminent sainthood. The recent miracle involves a Costa Rican student who suffered severe head trauma in Florence in 2022. Following her mother's fervent prayers to Carlo at his tomb in Assisi, the student miraculously recovered, regaining the ability to breathe unaided, move her upper limbs, and speak.
This is not the first miraculous event attributed to Carlo Acutis. Nine years ago, another miracle was linked to him when a Brazilian child with a serious congenital pancreas deformation was healed after coming into contact with one of Carlo's shirts, accompanied by prayers from a priest. These miracles have paved the way for Carlo’s canonization, a testament to his deep devotion and service to the faith during his short life.
Carlo Acutis displayed a profound spirituality from an early age. At just three years old, he expressed a keen desire to visit churches in Milan and often promised to donate his pocket money to help the poor. By seven, after his first communion, he committed to daily mass, Eucharistic adoration, and reciting the rosary. His compassion extended to volunteering for classmates dealing with parents’ divorces, defending disabled peers, and distributing meals and sleeping bags to the homeless in Milan.
Carlo's technological prowess was astonishing. Self-taught in coding, he created websites for Catholic organizations and documented miracles worldwide through a comprehensive website he built. His digital initiatives have earned him praise within the Catholic Church, with Pope Francis commending his ability to communicate 'values and beauty' via the internet, thus counteracting the negative impacts of social media.
His mother's testimony and the Pope's admiration underscore Carlo’s individuality and his maxim, 'Everyone is born original, but many die like photocopies.' Carlo's work online and offline to spread positive values have made him a role model. His impending canonization marks not only a recognition of his faith and miracles but also sets a precedent as he will be the first person born in the 21st century to be canonized. As of now, Pope Francis has canonized 912 people, with Carlo’s birth being the most recent among them.
- In addition to Carlo Acutis, Pope Francis has also approved the canonization process for two martyrs of communism: the Polish priest Stanisław Kostka Streich and the Hungarian laywoman Mária Magdolna Bódi, who were killed in 1938 and 1945 respectively due to their faith. Their stories underline the diverse and rich tapestry of individuals who have lived lives of profound faith and service deserving recognition in the Catholic Church.
