Carlo Acutis lived on this earth for only fifteen years. However, fourteen years after his passing, God elevated him to a height that few could ever attain. The reason? He loved God, and God loved him. His name was Carlo Acutis.
Carlo was born on May 3, 1991, to Andrea Acutis and Antonio Salzano. He belonged to a wealthy family background. Though they initially lived in London, the family later moved to Italy. Despite being from a Catholic family, Carlo’s parents were not particularly devout in their faith. However, Carlo was different.
Typically, children grow up influenced by their parents, but in Carlo’s case, it was the other way around. His parents witnessed his unwavering faith and devotion to prayer, which ultimately transformed their own lives. Through their son, they experienced a spiritual renewal, becoming deeply devoted Catholics themselves.
By the age of twelve, Carlo was a catechist in his parish church. His friends described him as a person of extraordinary transparency and integrity. He admired saints such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francisco and St. Jacinta Marto, St. Dominic Savio, and St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi. Carlo also had a special devotion to Archangel Michael.
While many people criticize computers and the internet for leading teenagers astray, Carlo saw them as tools that could be used for the glory of God. He understood that modern technology, given by God for the betterment of humanity, could be harnessed for spiritual purposes. With expertise in Java and C++, he designed a website under the guidance of his parish priest. This website documented and cataloged all Eucharistic miracles around the world. It took him two and a half years of dedicated effort to complete the project.
The website was launched on October 4, 2006. However, Carlo was unable to attend its inauguration because he had already fallen ill. On October 1, 2006, he showed initial symptoms-a mild swelling in the throat and dehydration. Doctors initially dismissed it as minor, but the following day, he noticed blood in his urine. By October 8, his condition had worsened significantly. A blood test confirmed that Carlo had leukemia.
His chances of survival were minimal. What followed were days and nights of immense suffering. Yet, Carlo never complained. Instead, he offered all his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church. Even in pain, he only thought of those who suffered more than he did.
On October 11, Carlo experienced brain death, and the following day, at 6:45 PM, he departed for eternity.
After Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, Carlo Acutis became the youngest person to be beatified in recent times. On October 10, 2020, he was officially declared Blessed. Then, on July 1, 2024, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession, leading to the decision to canonize him as a saint. Carlo Acutis will be officially declared a saint on April 27, 2025, in conjunction with the Jubilee celebration for youth.
Carlo is a true miracle of our time-a guardian of teenagers. He understood their struggles, temptations, and desires. His life was an experiment in channeling youthful energy and bodily inclinations toward God. His canonization is a testament to the sanctity of his life.
In an era where youth are trapped by addictions and distractions, Carlo stands as a beacon of hope and guidance. He can intercede for young people so that they may live in the world without being consumed by its temptations. Let us seek his intercession for the grace to live a life rooted in God.
