Pope Leo XIV to Canonize Carlo Acutis on September 7

ROME, Italy — Pope Leo XIV announced on Friday that Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager known as “God’s influencer,” will be canonized on September 7, 2025. This event marks the first canonization ceremony led by Leo, the first American pope.

Acutis, who died from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, gained recognition for using his computer skills to create a website that documented eucharistic miracles. His canonization was initially scheduled for April 27 but was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

During a meeting with cardinals, Pope Leo confirmed that Acutis would be canonized alongside another young saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at the age of 24 in 1925. Both ceremonies are expected to attract large crowds, especially of young people.

Acutis, who had a passion for video gaming and relatable attire, including jeans and sneakers, has resonated with younger generations of Catholics. His popularity has surged in recent months as surveys indicate a rising interest in Catholicism among Generation Z.

For canonization, two miracles attributed to a candidate’s intercession must be recognized by the Vatican. The second miracle attributed to Acutis, acknowledged by Pope Francis, involved the healing of a Costa Rican girl who suffered a severe head injury after falling from her bicycle in Florence. Her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, and shortly thereafter, the girl showed significant improvement.

The first miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a birth defect who improved after his mother prayed to Acutis for assistance. This miracle paved the way for his beatification in 2020.

Antonia Salzano, Acutis’ mother, recalled that her son often volunteered to help the homeless in Milan, sharing his pocket money with those in need.