Assisi, Italy: Long known for being the birthplace of Saint Francis, Assisi is now seeing an influx of pilgrims not only seeking the relics of the medieval saint but also paying homage to the first millennial to be canonized—Carlo Acutis. The 15-year-old Italian boy, who passed away in 2006 after a battle with leukemia, is set to be declared a saint in a Vatican mass on April 27, 2025.
Carlo Acutis, affectionately called “God’s Influencer” and “Cyber Apostle,” used his love for technology to spread Catholic teachings. His work, especially his online exhibitions showcasing Christian miracles, has inspired a new generation of young pilgrims who flock to his tomb in Assisi.
While Assisi has long been a pilgrimage destination for Catholics worldwide, the image of a smiling Carlo in a red polo shirt is now a common sight alongside the portraits of Saint Francis. Pilgrims gather at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, also known as the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, where Carlo’s embalmed body rests in a glass tomb. 
Carlo’s final resting place has become a symbol of modern faith in the digital age. His body, clad in jeans and sneakers, is an extraordinary sight — his youthful face and black hair preserved to look lifelike. Visitors find Carlo’s approach to faith more relatable than that of medieval saints, as his life story blends contemporary culture with deep spiritual conviction.
Monica Katreeb, a teenage pilgrim from the United States, found Carlo’s life compelling due to its connection with modern-day issues. “To see someone who looks like you and is wearing the clothes that you would wear… how cool is that?” she remarked. She plans to attend the canonization mass, calling it a “spectacular moment.”
Born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents, Carlo spent most of his childhood in Milan and the family’s second home in Assisi. Raised in a wealthy family with little religious observance, Carlo defied expectations with his strong and devoted faith. He attended mass daily and spent his childhood helping the homeless, demonstrating a compassionate spirit.
Carlo’s mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, recalled how her son gave away his toys to those in need, asking, “Why is it fair that I have everything, and they have nothing?” Carlo’s devotion to helping others was evident from an early age, and he is remembered for his unshakeable faith and generosity.
His use of technology as a tool for good sets him apart. From a young age, Carlo embraced computers and used his skills to promote Christianity. He created a digital exhibition dedicated to miracles and aimed to show others how technology could be a force for good. In a world where social media and digital spaces often foster negativity, Carlo’s legacy is a reminder that technology can be used to spread positive messages and inspire faith.
The Vatican has recognized two miracles associated with Carlo, essential for his canonization. The first miracle, recognized in 2020, involved Carlo’s posthumous intercession in curing a Brazilian child with a rare pancreatic disease. The second occurred in 2024 when a Costa Rican student, injured in an accident, was reportedly healed after praying for Carlo’s intercession.
Carlo’s growing influence has led to an influx of pilgrims. The Diocese of Assisi reported nearly a million visitors last year, with over 400,000 so far this year. Souvenir shops in Assisi are seeing an increase in demand for items featuring Carlo’s image, including statues, rosaries, icons, and T-shirts.
Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, who has written about the connections between Carlo, Saint Francis, and Saint Clare of Assisi, expressed hopes that Carlo’s canonization would bring more faithful to Assisi. He emphasized how Carlo, who walked the streets of Assisi in his lifetime, embodied a contemporary spirituality that resonates with today’s youth.
Carlo Acutis’s canonization represents more than just the elevation of a saint — it signifies a new era where faith and technology intersect to inspire believers of all generations.
