In a significant development for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has recognized a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who passed away in 2006. Acutis, a gamer and computer programmer with a deep love for the Eucharist, is on the verge of becoming the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.
A Modern Saint in the Making
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, before moving with his parents to Milan, Italy. His life, though short, was marked by an extraordinary devotion to his faith and a profound love for God. Diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager, Carlo offered his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church, stating, “I offer all of my suffering to the Lord for the pope and for the Church in order not to go to purgatory but to go straight to heaven.” His profound spirituality was evident even as a child, when he enjoyed praying the rosary and attending Mass as often as possible after his first Communion.
Despite his parents not being particularly devout, Carlo's passion for the Eucharist was infectious. He was instrumental in encouraging his family to attend daily Mass, a testament to his powerful influence and deep faith. The individual who presented his cause for sainthood highlighted this unique dynamic, noting that Carlo “managed to drag his relatives, his parents to Mass every day.”
A Witness of Faith and Charity
Carlo’s dedication to his faith extended beyond his family. His example led adults to convert and be baptized, including Rajesh Mohur, a former Hindu who worked as an au pair for Carlo's family. Carlo’s explanation of the rosary and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist deeply impressed Mohur, who eventually embraced Catholicism.
Carlo’s compassion was not limited to spiritual matters. He was known for his concern for the poor, often bringing food to people living on the streets. His classmates admired him for his willingness to defend Church teachings, stand up against bullying, and advocate for the importance of Mass, confession, human dignity, and chastity.
A Digital Evangelist
Fascinated by computer coding, Carlo learned several programming languages, including C and C++. He utilized his technical skills to create an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles, believing that scientific evidence of these miracles would help people understand Jesus’s real presence in the Eucharist. This exhibition has been displayed in thousands of parishes worldwide, spreading Carlo’s message far and wide.
Path to Sainthood
Carlo Acutis died on October 12, 2006, and was buried in Assisi. His body, now lying in repose in a glass tomb in Assisi, remains a site of pilgrimage for thousands who are inspired by his story. When beatified in October 2020, the miracle attributed to his intercession involved the healing of a three-year-old boy in Brazil who was suffering from a pancreatic malformation.
The recent recognition of a second miracle, which occurred in Costa Rica, involved the healing of Valeria Valverde, a 21-year-old woman who was critically injured in a bicycle accident. This latest miracle, recognized in a decree by Pope Francis on May 23, 2023, brings Carlo Acutis one step closer to sainthood.
As the Church awaits the official announcement of his canonization date, the legacy of Carlo Acutis continues to inspire countless individuals around the world. His life, a blend of modern interests and profound faith, exemplifies the potential for sanctity in the contemporary age.
