More than a million faithful Catholics gather in Assisi to venerate soon-to-be St. Carlo Acutis

In a significant event for the Catholic community, over a million faithful Catholics have flocked to St. Mary Major Church in Assisi, Italy, to honor the relics of Carlo Acutis, who is set to be canonized as the first millennial saint by the Catholic Church on April 27. Acutis, who passed away at the young age of 15 from leukemia, is being celebrated for his deep faith and efforts to promote the Eucharist and similar causes amid modern challenges. As young pilgrims prepare for the canonization during the Jubilee of Teenagers, various recommendations have emerged about how to enhance their pilgrimage experience. Suggestions include taking time for prayer and reflection at significant sites connected to both Carlo and St. Francis of Assisi, such as Cathedral of San Rufino and sites of Eucharistic miracles in central Italy. The nature of Acutis’ canonization introduces a contemporary narrative of sainthood. He is characterized by many as 'God's influencer' and 'the patron saint of the internet,' which raises complex discussions about the intersection of modernity with tradition. Analyzing Acutis's life reveals a typical yet remarkable youth who maintained a balance between gaming and his deep religious convictions, where he limited his gaming time and utilized technology to spread his understanding of the faith. Critical commentary regarding Acutis highlights the dichotomy of his portrayal versus reality. Critics question the label of 'influencer' given its commercial undertones in a religious context. This notion leads to broader implications about youth engagement with the Church in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While Acutis’s life resonates with issues young people face today, his example appears somewhat constrained by the limited context within which he operated. This discussion serves to uncover insights into the ways the Church engages with youth, emphasizing the legacy of saints who resonate with contemporary struggles, all while not shying away from the ambiguity associated with the canonization process, including class and racial disparities in potential candidates recognized by the Church.