Catholic Saints
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Milan, Italy. Although his parents were not particularly religious, Carlo from a very young age showed a profound devotion to Catholicism, which would define his life.
Carlo received his First Communion at the age of seven, after which his faith deepened considerably. He became a daily communicant, expressing a particular love for the Eucharist, which he referred to as his "highway to heaven." His spiritual practice included daily prayer, especially The Rosary, and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament. This enthusiasm for his faith brought his own family closer to Catholicism.
Known for his cheerfulness and compassion, Carlo was also intellectually gifted, particularly with computers. He taught himself programming languages like Java and C++, which he used not for personal gain but for evangelization. Carlo created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions, aiming to spread knowledge about his faith through the internet.
He was known for his charity, defending classmates who were bullied, including those with disabilities, and helping those in need, such as bringing food to homeless people. Carlo's love for the poor was evident when he used his pocket money to buy sleeping bags for the homeless instead of buying sweets for himself.
At the age of 15, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia. He faced his illness with remarkable grace, offering his sufferings for the Church, particularly for Pope Benedict XVI. He died on October 12, 2006, in Monza, Italy, from complications related to his cancer treatment. His final wish was to be buried in Assisi, due to his admiration for St. Francis of Assisi.
Carlo was beatified by Pope Francis on October 10, 2020, recognizing his life of virtue and his miracles posthumously attributed to his intercession. One notable miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a pancreatic disorder. In May 2024, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle, paving the way for Carlo's canonization, scheduled for April 27, 2025, making him the first millennial saint.
With his scheduled Canonization in Spring 2025, Carlo Acutis is expected to be dubbed "patron saint of the Internet" due to his use of technology for faith-based purposes. His life story has inspired many, especially young people, showing that holiness is accessible in the modern world and through modern means. His legacy continues through various exhibits of his Eucharistic miracles project, which have traveled worldwide, and through books and articles detailing his life and faith.
Carlo Acutis' biography is a testament to how one can live a life of sanctity in the contemporary digital age, integrating faith with technology to evangelize and serve others.