Carlo Acutis, born in London on May 3, 1991, was an Italian teenager who, despite his short life, left a lasting legacy on the Catholic Church and the world’s youth. His impending canonization in 2025 will make him the first millennial saint, a contemporary model of holiness for new generations.

Family Roots and Spiritual Formation

The son of Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, Carlo was born into a wealthy family. His parents, although not particularly religious, supported their son’s early spiritual inclination. From a young age, Carlo showed a deep love for the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, attending Mass daily and praying the Rosary. His education in Milan, first with the Marcelline Sisters and then at the Jesuit-run Leo XIII Classical High School, strengthened his academic and spiritual formation.

A Model for Modern Youth

Carlo understood how to integrate faith into the daily lives of young people. A lover of computers and video games, he used these tools to evangelize. He created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church, with the goal of sharing his love for the Eucharist with the world. This initiative has been translated into 17 languages ​​and has toured numerous countries, inspiring thousands of people.

Beyond technology, Carlo led a life of intense prayer and charity. He helped the homeless, stood up for classmates who were bullied, and showed great interest in forming his friends in the faith. His motto, “All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies,” reflects his call to live the authenticity of the Gospel in the modern world.

Testimonies That Reflect His Influence

Carlo’s life profoundly touched those who knew him. His mother, Antonia Salzano, recounts how her son, from an early age, showed a natural inclination toward the sacred, even influencing her own conversion and commitment to the faith.

Rajesh Mohur, a domestic worker of Hindu origin who worked for the Acutis family, converted to Catholicism inspired by Carlo’s example and his love for the Eucharist.

Friends and family highlight his empathy and generosity. He stood up for classmates who were being bullied and dedicated time to helping those in need, bringing food and hot drinks to the homeless in his community.

A Legacy That Transcends Generations

Carlo’s influence is not limited to his generation. Pope Francis has noted that Carlo shows young people “the fullness of life” in Christ, exemplifying joyful and committed discipleship.

His life demonstrates that holiness is attainable in the digital age and that technology, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool of evangelization. The canonization of Carlo Acutis is a reminder that faith and modernity can coexist harmoniously, inspiring new generations to seek a deeper relationship with God.

Carlo’s story invites us to reflect on how we can, in our daily lives, bear witness to God’s love, using our talents and passions to serve others and spread the Gospel.

Carlo Acutis in the Cinema

For those who wish to learn more about the life and legacy of Carlo Acutis, filmmaker José María Zavala has directed two films that explore his story with depth and emotion:

• “Heaven Can’t Wait” (2022): A documentary that narrates the life of Carlo Acutis through the testimonies of his family, friends, and those impacted by his legacy. The film combines real footage with reconstructions and presents the testimony of his mother, Antonia Salzano, who recounts how her son’s holiness transformed her own life.
• “The Heartbeat of Heaven” (2024): A sequel to the first documentary, it delves into Carlo’s impact on today’s youth and how his message continues to inspire conversions and vocations. It focuses on testimonies from people who have experienced miracles and graces through his intercession.

Both films are highly recommended for young people and families who wish to learn more about the life of this future saint and find inspiration for living their faith in the digital age.

A Saint for the 21st Century

Carlo’s story invites us to reflect on how we can, in our daily lives, be witnesses of God’s love, using our talents and passions to serve others and spread the Gospel. His canonization will mark a historic moment for the Church, elevating to the altars a young man whose witness demonstrates that holiness is possible in everyday life, even in the digital world.