June 23, 2025
On September 7, 2025, the Catholic Church will celebrate a momentous occasion with the joint canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, declared saints by Pope Leo XIV. This event promises profound spiritual significance, especially for young Catholics worldwide, as these two modern exemplars embody holiness in the context of contemporary life.
The decision to canonize Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati together marks a unique moment in Church history. Both saints are Italian laymen who died young—Acutis at 15 and Frassati at 24—and their sanctity is rooted in everyday holiness, social commitment, and deep Eucharistic devotion. Their joint canonization by Pope Leo XIV, the first saints canonized by his papacy, underscores the Church’s focus on inspiring youth through relatable role models[1][2].
Originally, Carlo Acutis’s canonization was scheduled for April 27, 2025, but following the death of Pope Francis, the event was postponed and later reassigned to September 7[2]. The delay has allowed for a joint celebration that highlights both saints’ complementary paths to holiness in today’s world, especially during the Jubilee Year of Hope celebrated by the Vatican[1].
The canonization falls within the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, a liturgical year encouraging renewal of faith and evangelization. Carlo Acutis, noted for his pioneering use of technology to spread the faith—most notably his online exhibition of Eucharistic miracles—represents the Church’s call to engage modern tools for evangelization[2][3]. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s life of social activism and charitable works embodies hope in action through service to the poor and marginalized.
Together, their canonizations symbolize a bridge between tradition and modernity, encouraging Catholics to live out holiness in their respective contexts, using both heart and mind for the glory of God.
Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati serve as powerful witnesses for young Catholics struggling to balance faith with the demands of the digital age and social responsibilities. Acutis, affectionately called the "Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist," demonstrated that sanctity is attainable through ordinary actions, virtuous use of technology, and a joyful commitment to prayer[2]. Frassati, known for his zeal for social justice and deep spirituality, is an inspiring example of living out Catholic social teaching with fervor.
Their canonization encourages young people to embrace their faith fully and see their daily lives as a platform for sanctity, fostering a renewed hope in the Church’s future by highlighting these contemporary saints as models of holiness[1][3].
Born in 1991 in Milan, Italy, Carlo Acutis grew up in a devout Catholic family. From an early age, he displayed a profound love for the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and developing a special devotion that became central to his spiritual life. Despite his young age, Carlo had an uncommon maturity in faith and began using his computer skills to document and promote Eucharistic miracles around the world[2].
His life combined a modern love for technology with traditional Catholic devotion, showing how faith and culture can harmoniously coexist in the digital era.
Carlo’s creation of an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles is a pioneering example of digital evangelization. He recognized that the internet could be a powerful tool for spreading the faith and combating secularism. His work has continued to inspire countless people worldwide to deepen their appreciation for the Eucharist and the mystery of Christ’s real presence[2].
By integrating faith with modern communication, Carlo Acutis becomes a patron saint for young Catholics navigating the challenges of contemporary culture and technology.
Carlo’s deep faith remained steadfast even when he was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15. He faced his illness with courage and serenity, offering his suffering for the Pope and the Church. His unwavering trust in God until his death in 2006 is a testament to the power of grace in the midst of trials[2].
His example reassures Catholics that sanctity involves embracing the cross and living with joy and hope, even in hardship.
Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901 in Turin, Italy. From a young age, he combined an active social life with deep spiritual practices. He was known for his strong devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, attending Mass daily and frequenting the sacrament of confession. Yet, he was also deeply committed to social justice, working tirelessly to aid the poor and advocate for workers’ rights[3].
His life exemplifies the Gospel call to serve "the least of these" with compassion and courage.
Pier Giorgio’s faith was not confined to private devotion but expressed in active service. He was involved in Catholic Action and other charitable organizations, often risking his health to assist the suffering during epidemics and social unrest. His energetic commitment to living out Catholic social teaching before Vatican II’s formal articulation shows the timelessness of authentic Christian charity[3].
Pier Giorgio Frassati’s joyful spirit, combined with his serious commitment to faith and justice, makes him a relatable figure for young Catholics today who seek to integrate their faith with social responsibility. His example encourages a balanced life rooted in prayer and action, inspiring youth to become saints in their environments[3].
The simultaneous canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati sends a compelling message about the multifaceted nature of holiness. It highlights how faith can flourish in both contemplative devotion and active social engagement, showing that each path is valuable to the Church’s mission.
Catholics are called to embrace this holistic vision, fostering a faith that is both deeply personal and outwardly transformative.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and social challenges, these saints offer authentic examples of living the Gospel in the 21st century. Their lives affirm that sanctity is accessible and urgently needed, especially among young people responding to cultural pressures and searching for meaning.
Their canonization encourages the new generation to become courageous witnesses of Christ’s love in modern society.
The canonization during the Jubilee Year of Hope connects these saints’ legacies with the Church’s broader call to renewal and evangelization. Their examples remind Catholics worldwide that hope is grounded in faith, lived through charity, and communicated with joy.
As the entire Church prepares to welcome Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as saints, the faithful are invited to deepen their own commitment to Christ’s call, confident that holiness is possible for all.
The canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025, is a defining moment for the universal Church, especially for young Catholics navigating contemporary challenges. Their lives of faith, service, and joy provide timeless inspiration and a clear roadmap to sanctity in the modern world. Pope Leo XIV’s announcement unites the faithful in celebrating these new saints who embody the hope and promise of a Church renewed in holiness.
This event will undoubtedly strengthen the Church’s mission to evangelize and sanctify believers across the globe, offering luminous examples of holiness for our times[1][2][3].