June 5, 2025
On June 4, 2025, Pope Leo XIV announced that the canonization ceremony for Blessed Carlo Acutis will take place on October 12, 2025, during the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality. This event will be held in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and is expected to draw thousands of faithful from around the world.
Background on Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis, born in 1991, was an Italian teenager renowned for his deep faith and his innovative use of technology to evangelize. He created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles, aiming to share the wonders of the Eucharist with a broader audience. Acutis passed away in 2006 from leukemia, offering his suffering for the Pope and the Church. He was beatified in 2020 after a miracle attributed to his intercession was recognized.
Miracle Leading to Canonization
In 2022, a second miracle was attributed to Acutis's intercession. A young woman from Costa Rica suffered a severe brain hemorrhage following a bicycle accident. Doctors gave her a low chance of survival. Her mother prayed for Acutis's intercession and visited his tomb. On the same day, the young woman began to breathe independently and was able to walk the next day, with all evidence of the hemorrhage having disappeared. This miraculous recovery paved the way for his canonization.
Significance of the Canonization
The canonization of Carlo Acutis holds profound significance for the global Catholic community, especially for young people. Acutis serves as a modern role model, demonstrating how faith can be lived authentically in the digital age. His life underscores the potential of technology as a tool for evangelization and the importance of the Eucharist in Catholic spirituality.
Implications for the Church
Acutis's canonization during the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality highlights the Church's recognition of contemporary figures who embody traditional values in modern contexts. It also emphasizes the Church's commitment to engaging with youth and addressing the challenges they face in today's world.
Open-Ended Question
How can the Church continue to inspire and guide young people in integrating their faith with the rapidly evolving digital landscape?