A Modern Saint for a Digital Age

The Catholic Church is elevating Carlo Acutis, a teenager who died of leukemia in 2006, to sainthood. this move highlights the Church’s effort to connect with younger generations by presenting a relatable figure who embraced both faith and technology. Acutis, often described as a “computer genius” and an “influencer of God,” is seen as a bridge between conventional religious values and the digital world.

Assisi Prepares for the Canonization

in Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis,anticipation is building. Souvenir shops are already stocking figurines of Carlo Acutis, complete with a halo, reflecting the commercial aspect that often accompanies religious events. These figures, depicting Acutis in casual attire—jeans, sneakers, and a polo shirt—are priced at 45 euros, demonstrating the immediate economic impact of his impending sainthood.

The First Millennial Saint

Carlo Acutis, who would have been 33 years old today, represents a important milestone as the first saint from the millennial generation (those born between 1980 and 1999). The Vatican views his canonization as a crucial step in engaging younger people with the Catholic faith. His life, marked by both ordinary teenage experiences and deep religious devotion, offers a compelling narrative for today’s youth.

Vatican’s PR Strategy: A cyber apostle

The Vatican’s promotional efforts emphasize Acutis’s tech-savviness,labeling him a “cyber apostle” and a “holy of our time.” Born in London in 1991, where his father worked in finance, Acutis later moved to Milan. The family maintained a holiday home near Assisi, further solidifying his connection to the region’s rich religious history.

Faith,Technology,and a Database of Miracles

Acutis’s path to faith was reportedly influenced by his nanny. He received his first communion at age seven and later attended a Jesuit school. There, he developed computer programs for the Church, designed websites, and created a database documenting alleged miracles. He also installed a rosary program on his laptop and managed his parish’s website,showcasing his commitment to integrating technology with his religious beliefs.

He told the mother that he was thinking of becoming a priest. He allegedly warned friends of not going to porn sites. He is said to have said: The only woman in my life is the virgin Mary.

The Importance of Sainthood in the 21st Century

The canonization of Carlo Acutis raises questions about the role of saints in modern society. While some view it as a genuine effort to inspire faith,others see it as a strategic move by the Church to remain relevant in an increasingly secular world.Irrespective, Acutis’s story resonates with many, particularly young people who navigate the complexities of faith and technology in their daily lives. As of 2024, studies show that religious affiliation among young adults is declining in many Western countries, making the Church’s efforts to connect with this demographic all the more critical.

Economic Impact and Religious Tourism

The canonization is expected to boost religious tourism in assisi, benefiting local businesses. The sale of Acutis-themed merchandise, like the 45-euro figurines, highlights the economic dimension of religious events. This influx of pilgrims and tourists can provide a significant boost to the local economy, but also raises ethical considerations about the commercialization of religious figures.

the Rapid Rise of a Modern Saint

The story of Carlo Acutis, who died of acute leukemia in October 2016, is one of remarkable speed within the often-purposeful processes of the Catholic Church. Diagnosed at the beginning of October 2016, he tragically passed away shortly after, on October 12th. Almost instantly, a path towards sainthood, supported by both the Church and his parents, began. His body has been moved to various locations, including a village courtyard, the Basilica of santa Maria Maggiore, and Assisi, drawing massive crowds. Last year alone, a million pilgrims, including numerous school groups, visited his remains.

A Glimpse of the Afterlife: The Display of Carlo Acutis

Acutis’s remains are housed in a sarcophagus, visible through a glass panel. He is presented in jeans and sneakers, a rosary clasped in his hands. Silicone has been used to model his face and hands. A stone bench is positioned opposite the sarcophagus, allowing visitors to pause and reflect, though most choose to move through quickly. Photography is strictly forbidden.

The canonization Process: Miracles and Modern Saints

The path to beatification and canonization is a complex, multi-stage process involving rigorous examination of the candidate’s life.Historically, this process began 50 years after death, but today, it can occur much faster. A crucial element is the attribution of a miracle to the potential saint. In Acutis’s case,the Vatican deemed the healing of a child from brazil and a young woman from Costa Rica as miracles attributable to him,a decision subsequently approved by the Pope.

The tradition of venerating saints is deeply rooted in Catholic history. From the original apostles to figures like Saint Nicholas, Saint Martin, Saint Barbara, and Hildegard von Bingen, saints have long been central to religious education and devotion. More recently,figures like Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II have been added to the ranks. The number of saints now exceeds 10,000,with Pope Francis responsible for the canonization of nearly 1,000 individuals.

According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2023, approximately 24% of the world’s population is Catholic, highlighting the significant global impact of the Church’s decisions regarding sainthood.

Doubts and Disagreements: Questioning the Narrative

The rapid pace of Acutis’s canonization has raised some eyebrows. Furthermore, questions have emerged regarding the authenticity of his piety.According to the weekly newspaper The Economist, one of Acutis’s close school friends, Federico Oldani, stated that he never discussed Jesus with Carlo. Oldani also claims he never heard Acutis utter the now-famous phrase, The Eucharist is my highway in the sky.

Oldani never heard the sentence The Eucharist is my highway in the sky, which is now attributed to his dead friend everywhere.

Federico Oldani, The Economist

the Business of Sainthood: Souvenirs and Suspect Relics

Regardless of the doubts, acutis’s sainthood has become a lucrative business in Assisi. Souvenir shops are filled with merchandise bearing his image: jute bags, T-shirts, medallions, keychains, rosaries, and even refrigerator magnets. Figures of Acutis are also sold within the church where his remains are housed. Father Marco Gaballo, the Franciscan rector of the community, justifies this by saying, People want something to remember. Then that’s okay for me.

As the first saint of the Internet age, Acutis’s legacy is also being monetized online. Purported relics are being offered for sale on various websites. Recently, a lock of hair supposedly belonging to Acutis was sold for €2,110. This prompted the Bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, to file a criminal complaint, leading to a prosecutor’s investigation.