People often called Carlo Acutis the “God Geek” or “Cyber Apostle.” Born in 1991, he died from leukemia at just 15 years old in 2006. Carlo chose to be buried in Assisi, close to Saint Francis, and was beatified there in 2020 during the global pandemic. Now, many visit Assisi to ask for his prayers. His canonization was planned for April 27, 2025, during the Jubilee for Adolescents and Divine Mercy Sunday, but it was postponed after Pope Francis died on April 21 that year.
What about St. Carlo’s life draws young people today?
Carlo shows us that holiness is possible for everyone.
We often picture saints in old-fashioned clothes, but Carlo is remembered in jeans, which helps young people relate to him. He lived a life similar to ours, growing up with the internet. He loved web development and created a well-known website that collected stories of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. This is another important lesson we can learn from this modern saint.
Carlo taught us that the internet can be used for good.
Today, young people face challenges related to how they are seen online and to their self-esteem. Instead of focusing on himself, Carlo used the internet to share Jesus with others. His example encourages us to use technology in positive ways. We can use these platforms to share the joy of following Christ and to show his love. Carlo used his website to help others grow closer to the Eucharist. His life reminds us to think about how we spend our time online. Are we using it to honor God and share his mercy? Are we listening to the questions people have about faith and truth? Carlo encourages us to think about how we use our time.
Carlo also showed us that loving the Eucharist is what makes us truly alive.
He lived a life shaped by the Eucharist: blessed, broken, and shared. Like many teenagers, he played games, spent time with friends, and loved his family. Jesus was always at the center of his life. These are important values for young people today, who are surrounded by screens. Every teenager needs to spend time with friends, play outside, and connect with others in person. At the heart of this, celebrating the Eucharist on Sundays is a chance to meet Jesus, who sees, knows, and loves every young person.
Carlo Acutis is now one of the most well-known Catholic figures of our time. He reminds us that anyone can be holy, that we can use the internet for good, and that true life comes from loving Jesus in the Eucharist. Carlo often said a simple Italian phrase: Non io ma Dio, which means Not me, but God. Like John the Baptist, Carlo points us to Jesus, who is at the center of history.
Learn More About St. Carlo
Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint
God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis
