Teen Set to Become First Millennial Saint
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Carlo Acutis, also known as “God’s influencer,” is set to make history by becoming the first millennial to be canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church this Sunday. Acutis passed away at the young age of 15 in 2006 after battling leukemia, leaving a remarkable legacy behind.
Family Reveals Saintly Roots
As preparations for Acutis’s canonization at the Vatican have been underway, his mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, has shared some fascinating insights into their family’s history of holiness. According to a report by The Times, Antonia disclosed that Carlo comes from a lineage that includes saints and even a prominent mathematician.
A Lineage of Saints
Antonia revealed that the family’s saintly roots trace back to two nuns who were canonized in the 19th and 20th centuries. From Carlo’s maternal grandfather’s side, Giulia Salzano, the founder of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus near Naples, was canonized in 2010. On his maternal grandmother’s side, Caterina Volpicelli founded the Maids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Naples and was canonized in 1894.
Mathematical Roots
Carlo’s paternal lineage also boasts significant achievements, with a connection to Paolo Ruffini, a renowned mathematician in Italy known for his work in algebra. Antonia expressed to The Times that these saintly and mathematical roots have culminated in the extraordinary life of Carlo, demonstrating the mysterious ways of God.
Miracles and Path to Sainthood
Following Carlo’s untimely passing, his body was displayed in Assisi, Italy, where he was laid to rest. The late Pope Francis confirmed Carlo for sainthood in July 2024 after attributing two miracles to him, a requirement for canonization. One miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy in 2020, while the second miracle saw a college student named Valeria recovering from severe injuries in 2022.
Support for Canonization
Antonia shared with The Times that the family has been actively supporting the expenses involved in Carlo’s canonization process. From verifying miracles to other necessary procedures, the journey to sainthood requires significant resources. Despite not being a devout Catholic herself, Antonia acknowledged the divine mystery behind Carlo’s path to becoming a saint.
Celebrating a Young Saint
Originally scheduled for canonization in April, the passing of Pope Francis necessitated a rescheduling of Carlo’s ceremony to September under the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. As the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis’s life and legacy continue to inspire believers and non-believers alike with his remarkable faith and impact on others.
A Remarkable Journey
Carlo Acutis’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. With his impending canonization, Carlo’s influence as “God’s influencer” will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark in the annals of Catholic history, inspiring generations to come.