Carlos Acutis: A Modern Saint for the Digital Age
The journey of Carlos Acutis, a teenager affectionately dubbed “God’s influencer,” has taken a remarkable turn as he has been canonised as a saint. Acutis, who passed away at the tender age of 15 from leukaemia in 2006, dedicated his brief life to promoting the Catholic faith and aiding those in need. His legacy, intertwined with his love for video games and the internet, has resonated deeply with younger generations.
The canonisation ceremony, steeped in tradition, was presided over by Pope Leo, who has garnered attention for his own affinity for gaming. Acutis’ path to sainthood has been notably swift; the campaign for his canonisation commenced just six years after his death in 2012. By 2018, he was declared “Venerable,” followed by the title of “Blessed” in 2020, culminating in his formal recognition as a saint in the iconic St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Acutis is celebrated for creating a popular website that documents miracles, serving as a digital platform to spread the Catholic message. This innovative approach has earned him the moniker “God’s influencer.” His relatability is perhaps a key factor in his rapid ascent to sainthood, appealing to a demographic that often finds itself distanced from traditional religious figures. Diego Sarkissian, a young admirer, shared his thoughts with the BBC, stating, “He used to play Super Mario video games on the old Nintendo consoles and I’ve always loved video games. The fact that you can think of a saint doing the same things [as you], wearing jeans, it feels so much closer than what other saints have felt like in the past.”
Antonia Salzano, Acutis’ mother, reflected on her son’s message, emphasizing that holiness is not a relic of the past. “As I did, you too can become holy,” she told CNN last year. “Nevertheless, (with) all the media, the technologies, it seems sometimes that holiness is something that belongs to the past. Instead, holiness is also something nowadays in this modern time.”
Acutis’ final resting place in Assisi, where his body is preserved in wax, has transformed into a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors eager to connect with his inspiring story. Following his canonisation, the Catholic Church will commemorate Acutis annually on a designated feast day, and parishes and schools may bear his name, ensuring that his influence continues to inspire future generations.
