St. Carlo Acutis was a modern-day teenager known for his deep love for the Eucharist, his devotion to God, and his extraordinary use of technology to share the faith. He is recognized for his short but impactful life and was beatified in 2020. Carlo is regarded as the patron saint of computer programmers and internet users.
St. Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents, and was raised in Milan, Italy. Carlo’s life was remarkable not only because of his youthful holiness but also because he is the first millennial to be beatified. He died at the tender age of 15 on October 12, 2006, after suffering from leukemia, but in his short life, he made a lasting impact on the Church and the world, especially through his use of technology.
From an early age, Carlo showed a strong love for the Eucharist and prayer, often attending Mass daily and adoring the Blessed Sacrament. His passion for Jesus in the Eucharist was the core of his spirituality. Carlo's love for the Catholic faith and his deep commitment to a life of holiness were evident as he lived his life, centered on God and kindness to others. Despite his young age, he was mature in his faith, and many were drawn to his example.
Carlo was also an enthusiastic user of technology and used it in a way that many people might not have expected from such a devout young person. He was skilled in computer programming and used his talent to create a website that documented miracles of the Eucharist around the world. He compiled a collection of photographs and stories of Eucharistic miracles, which he shared online. His goal was to show the wonders of the Eucharist to a world that was increasingly turning to digital resources. This online ministry has since been spread to various countries, and his work continues to inspire young people to use their skills in technology for the glory of God.
Though Carlo lived a very modern life, filled with school, friendships, and hobbies, his personal devotion was also very traditional. He was known to read the Bible and spiritual books, and he had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. He was known for his humility and his love for the poor. In his hometown of Milan, he regularly volunteered with the poor and marginalized and often spoke about the importance of helping those in need.
Carlo’s life, however, was cut short when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Throughout his illness, he maintained a deep sense of peace and faith. His final words were a reflection of his devotion to Jesus, and despite his suffering, he accepted his illness with great patience, fully trusting in God's plan for him. His death on October 12, 2006, deeply affected his family and the many friends who knew him.
In 2020, Pope Francis declared Carlo Acutis Blessed in recognition of his heroic virtue and his example of holiness, particularly in the digital age. Carlo was beatified on October 10, 2020, the anniversary of the death of another beloved saint, St. Francis of Assisi, whom Carlo admired deeply. He was also buried in Assisi, a city that he had great devotion to and which became a place of pilgrimage for many who came to venerate his tomb.
Carlo’s life and example offer inspiration, especially to young people who are looking for a role model in the digital age. His use of the internet to spread the message of faith and his ability to live a deep spiritual life while navigating modernity makes him an incredibly relevant and inspirational figure for the 21st century.