Pope Leo XIV Declares Pier Giorgio Frassati & Carlo Acutis Saints in Moving Rome Ceremony

Rome, September 7, 2025 – In a deeply moving ceremony held today at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV officially canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) and Carlo Acutis (1991-2006), elevating them to sainthood before a crowd of tens of thousands. This historic event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, particularly for young people worldwide, and is already generating significant buzz across social media and Google News platforms.

Two Lives, One Call to Holiness

The canonization of Frassati and Acutis is remarkable not only for the speed with which their paths to sainthood unfolded, but also for the contrasting backgrounds and eras they represent. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a passionate advocate for the poor and a dedicated member of Catholic Action in early 20th-century Italy, lived a life of fervent faith and selfless service. Carlo Acutis, a modern teenager with a remarkable gift for technology, used his skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles and lived a life deeply rooted in prayer and devotion.

“What Should I Do So That Nothing Is Lost?” – A Question for Every Generation

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV centered the ceremony around the question posed by King Solomon in the Book of Wisdom: “Who would have known your will, if you hadn’t given him wisdom and if you hadn’t sent him your Holy Spirit from above?” The Pope connected this ancient query to the lives of the newly canonized saints, emphasizing that both Frassati and Acutis faced the challenge of discerning God’s will amidst abundance – Frassati with his family’s wealth and privilege, and Acutis with his technological prowess and opportunities. The core message resonated: the greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan.

Frassati: The “Transport Company” of Turin

Pier Giorgio Frassati’s life was a testament to practical faith. Known for his tireless work with the poor and marginalized, he earned the nickname “Transport Company Frassati” among his friends for the aid he delivered throughout the streets of Turin. His commitment to social justice, combined with a deep spiritual life, continues to inspire secular spirituality and demonstrates that faith isn’t confined to private devotion but actively engages with the world. He understood that charity was “the foundation of our religion.”

Acutis: The Digital Apostle

Carlo Acutis, a digital native, embraced technology as a tool for evangelization. His website documenting Eucharistic miracles, miracolieucaristici.org, remains a powerful resource for the faithful. Acutis’s life demonstrates that holiness is attainable in the modern world, even – and perhaps especially – through the integration of faith and technology. He famously said, “In front of the sun, we bronze. In front of the Eucharist, we become saints!” His simple yet profound wisdom continues to resonate with young people today.

The “Winning Formula” for a Life Well-Lived

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the common thread running through the lives of both saints: a commitment to frequent confession, devotion to the saints and the Virgin Mary, and a generous practice of charity. Both Frassati and Acutis understood the importance of stripping away attachments – to possessions, ideas, and even self-importance – to fully embrace God’s will. Frassati’s final words, “The day of my death will be the most beautiful in my life,” and his image climbing a mountain with the inscription “upwards,” encapsulate this spirit of unwavering faith. Acutis similarly believed that heaven had always been waiting for us, and that loving tomorrow meant giving our best today.

A Call to Action for a New Generation

The canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis isn’t simply a celebration of the past; it’s a powerful invitation to the present. These two young saints offer a compelling model for living a life of purpose, faith, and service in the 21st century. Their message is clear: don’t waste your life, orient it upwards, and make it a masterpiece. As Carlo Acutis so succinctly put it, “Not me, but God.” For more in-depth coverage of this historic event and inspiring stories of faith, continue exploring Archyde.