Pope Leo XIV has announced that Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church’s first millennial-era saint, will be canonised on 7 September.
The announcement was made during a consistory, a meeting of cardinals convened to set the dates for the canonisation of several new saints.
Carlo’s canonisation was initially planned for 21 April but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April.
Carlo died at the age of 15 in 2006 in northern Italy after a brief battle with leukaemia. He has gained immense popularity, particularly among young Catholics, who have been visiting his tomb in Assisi in large numbers.
Despite enjoying typical pastimes such as hiking, video games, and spending time with friends, Carlo also taught catechism in his local parish and engaged in outreach to the homeless.
He used his computer skills to create an online exhibit showcasing more than 100 eucharistic miracles recognised by the Church throughout history.
His tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site, especially during the 2025 Holy Year underway. It features a glass coffin in which Carlo can be seen dressed in sneakers, jeans and a sweatshirt.
The outpouring of devotion has surprised even Assisi’s bishop, the Rev. Domenico Sorrentino. He described the scene as a “volcano of grace erupting”, noting the stark contrast to the relative obscurity of the Santuario della Spogliazione just two decades prior.
What was once a “forgotten” church next to his residence is now a vibrant center of pilgrimage, thanks to the inspiring story of Carlo.
Over the last year, more than a million pilgrims paid homage to the teen, Rev. Sorrentino said, drawn by “his smiling way of living our faith”.
In setting the 7 September date, Leo announced that Acutis would be canonised along with another Italian Catholic, Pier Giorgio Frassati, who also died young at age 24 after contracting polio.
