Pope Francis has taken a significant step towards declaring Carlo Acutis a saint. Acutis, a young Italian computer programmer who died at the age of 15 in 2006, has been credited with performing miracles and is considered a role model for young people. The decision by Pope Francis to recognize Acutis’s sainthood is a testament to his holiness and the impact he had on others during his short life.
Acutis was born in London in 1991 to Italian parents and was known for his devout Catholic faith. He had a deep love for the Eucharist and spent much of his time in prayer and adoration. Acutis also had a passion for technology and used his skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world.
The recognition of Acutis’s sainthood by Pope Francis comes after a thorough investigation into his life and the reported miracles attributed to him. In order to be declared a saint, the Catholic Church requires evidence of two miracles attributed to the person’s intercession.
One of the miracles attributed to Acutis involves a young boy in Brazil who was suffering from a rare pancreatic disease. His family prayed to Acutis for his healing, and the boy made a miraculous recovery. The second miracle involves a woman in Italy who was cured of a serious illness after praying to Acutis.
The declaration of sainthood for Acutis has generated excitement and inspiration among Catholics around the world, especially young people. He is seen as a relatable figure, someone who lived in the modern world but still prioritized his faith and relationship with God.
Acutis’s life serves as an example of how young people can live out their faith in today’s society. His use of technology to spread the message of the Gospel is particularly relevant in a digital age where young people are often immersed in technology.
The canonization of Acutis also highlights the importance of holiness in everyday life. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the call for all Christians to strive for holiness, regardless of their age or occupation. Acutis’s example shows that holiness is achievable and can be lived out even in the midst of our daily routines.
In recognizing Acutis as a saint, Pope Francis is not only honoring his life but also pointing to the potential for holiness in each and every person. Acutis’s story reminds us that we are all called to be saints, to grow in virtue and love for God and others.
The canonization process for Acutis is expected to be completed in the near future, with a date for his official declaration as a saint to be announced. In the meantime, Catholics around the world continue to be inspired by his life and pray for his intercession. Acutis’s journey to sainthood serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the impact one person can have on the world.
