Italian Teenager Dubbed 'God's Influencer' Poised to Become Catholic Church's First Millennial Saint
Discover the inspiring journey of Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager known as 'God's influencer,' as he prepares to be recognized as the Catholic Church's inaugural millennial saint. Dive into the life of this computer prodigy and his remarkable impact on faith and devotion.
Carlo Acutis, a talented teenager from Italy, is soon to be declared the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. He was known as "God's influencer" for his remarkable life and devotion.
Pope Francis has officially acknowledged a second miracle linked to Acutis. Despite passing away from leukemia at the young age of 15 in 2006, his legacy as a gamer and computer programmer continues to inspire many.
Many attended the beatification ceremony of Carlo Acutis at the St. Francis Basilica on October 10, 2020 in Assisi, Italy.
Many attended the beatification ceremony of Carlo Acutis at the St. Francis Basilica on October 10, 2020 in Assisi, Italy.
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During his life, Acutis used his technological skills to spread awareness of the Catholic faith, including setting up a website documenting miracles.
Born in London in 1991, he eventually relocated to Milan, Italy with his family. Despite his parents not being religious, his faith was fostered by his Polish nanny. Following his passing, his remains were transferred to the town of Assisi in Italy, where they are now housed in a shrine along with other items associated with him.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (14031646x) MARKOWA, POLAND - JULY 19, 2023: Ulma family photos on display at the Markowa Ulma-Family Museum of Poles Who Saved Jews in World War II, seen on July 19, 2023. in Markowa, Poland. Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma were a Polish Catholic couple who heroically sheltered Polish Jewish families in their home during the Nazi German occupation in World War II. Despite the risk, they hid eight Jews, but were eventually betrayed, leading to their arrest and execution, along with their six children and the hidden refugees. Despite the tragedy, their neighbors continued to protect Jewish fugitives until the end of the war, saving at least 21 Polish Jews in Markowa. In 1995, Honored by Yad Vashem in 1995, the Ulmas will be beatified by Pope Francis on September 10, 2023. Martyrs Of Courage: The Ulma Family's Sacrifice In Saving Polish Jews, Markowa, Poland - 19 Jul 2023
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (14031646x)MARKOWA, POLAND - JULY 19, 2023: Ulma family photos are exhibited at the Markowa Ulma-Family Museum of Poles Who Saved Jews in World War II. The museum is located in Markowa, Poland and showcases the heroic actions of Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma. The Polish Catholic couple bravely provided shelter to Polish Jewish families during the Nazi German occupation. Despite the dangers, they hid eight Jews in their home. Unfortunately, they were betrayed, leading to their arrest and execution, along with their six children and the hidden refugees.
Despite the tragic outcome, the Ulma's neighbors continued to protect Jewish fugitives until the end of the war. Their courageous efforts resulted in saving at least 21 Polish Jews in Markowa. In recognition of their selfless actions, the Ulma family was honored by Yad Vashem in 1995. Furthermore, they will be beatified by Pope Francis on September 10, 2023. The sacrifice and bravery of the Ulma family exemplify the true meaning of heroism and selflessness.
Martyrs Of Courage: The Ulma Family's Sacrifice In Saving Polish Jews, Markowa, Poland - 19 Jul 2023
Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
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Prospective candidates for sainthood usually require two miracles attributed to them before they can be canonized. Acutis was beatified and declared “blessed” after his first miracle in 2020, when he reportedly healed a Brazilian boy with a birth defect in his pancreas. The latest miracle attributed to Acutis involves the healing of a girl from Costa Rica who suffered a head trauma after falling from her bicycle in Florence, Italy. Her mother prayed for her daughter’s recovery at the tomb of Acutis in Assisi.
Following the attribution of two miracles, the next step is for the Pope to convene a meeting of cardinals to agree on Acutis’ sainthood and decide on a date for the canonization.
His story is seen as helpful for the Catholic Church as it seeks to connect better with younger generations in a digital age.
Acutis – considered a millennial as he was born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s – is remembered by friends and family as enjoying playing video games such as Halo, Super Mario and Pokémon.
