Vatican City – Pope Laun Fourteenth presided over a historic canonization Mass on Sunday, elevating Carlo Acutis, a teenager celebrated for his deep faith and technological skills, and Pierre Giorgio Frassati, a passionate advocate for the poor, to sainthood. The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Square, was attended by tens of thousands of faithful from around the globe.

A ‘Digital Apostle’ for the Modern Age

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Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 15, has been dubbed the “digital apostle” for his use of technology to spread the Gospel. Born in London in 1991 to Italian parents, he developed a website cataloging miracles, demonstrating his dedication to his faith. His consistent daily attendance at Mass and unwavering religious commitment served as an inspiration to many. According to the Vatican, over a million pilgrims visited his gravesite in Assisi during 2024 alone.

the Vatican has officially recognized two miracles attributed to acutis: the healing of a Brazilian child suffering from a rare pancreatic condition and the recovery of a Costa Rican student seriously injured in an accident. Families of both individuals prayed for his intercession following his beatification in 2020.

A Champion of the Marginalized: Pierre Giorgio Frassati

Alongside Acutis, Pierre Giorgio frassati, who died in 1925 at the age of 24 from polio, was also canonized.Frassati was renowned for his commitment to social justice, dedicating his life to serving the poor and sick in Turin, Italy. Rejecting the privileges afforded by his family’s wealth and status – his father was a Senator and founder of a prominent newspaper – he lived a life of simplicity and service,epitomized by his motto,”Verso L’alto” (“towards the top”).

Saint Born Died Key Characteristic
Carlo Acutis 1991 2006 Technological Evangelization
Pierre Giorgio Frassati 1901 1925 Social Justice & Service

The canonization of these two individuals represents a important moment for the Catholic Church, notably in it’s outreach to young people.Pope Laun XIV expressed his joy at seeing such a large number of young attendees at Sunday’s ceremony, stating, “I am happy to see this large number of young people!” The event occurs amidst the ongoing Jubilee, a “Holy Year” that has brought over 24 million pilgrims to rome thus far.

Did You Know? The Catholic Church’s canonization process typically requires at least five years after death, proof of a life of heroic virtue, and the verification of two miracles. Though, in the case of Carlo Acutis, the process was exceptionally swift.

A Remarkably Accelerated Path to Sainthood

The rapid progression of Acutis’s canonization is noteworthy. The process, which involves rigorous investigation by Vatican specialists – including medical professionals and theologians – often spans decades. The Vatican must confirm that any alleged miracles lack a scientific explanation. His image displayed on a mural in St. Peter’s Basilica, depicted in a casual red polo shirt, contrasts with traditional depictions of saints.

Pro Tip: Understanding the stages of canonization – Servants of God, Venerable, blessed, and Saint – provides context for the importance of this event.