Vatican announces Italian teenager as ‘God’s influencer’

(MENAFN) The Vatican has officially canonized an Italian teenager as the Catholic Church’s first saint from the millennial generation. Known as “God’s Influencer,” he leveraged his digital skills to promote the faith online.

Carlo Acutis, who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old, captivated young followers worldwide by being among the first to bring Catholicism into the digital era. During his illness, he developed a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles—instances in which believers claim that bread and wine consecrated during Mass transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ.

“He grew up naturally integrating prayer, sport, study and charity into his days as a child and young man,” the Pope said while presiding over Mass at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday.

Acutis was canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassatti, who died in 1925 at 24 and is remembered for his dedication to the poor and active participation in Catholic groups.

Some have criticized the decision, suggesting that Acutis’ focus on Eucharistic miracles neglected broader elements of the faith. “It seems to me that there is a desire to steer the Church towards a very problematic devotion and a search for ‘special signs,’” a theology professor explained. He added that it is “not a virtue” to seek miracles.

In recent months, the Vatican has intensified efforts to engage younger audiences and strengthen its digital presence. In July, it organized a digital evangelism event that drew over 1,000 Catholic influencers. Several of these online personalities gained popularity not only through religious content but also through their appearance, earning the nickname “hot priests” among fans and media outlets.

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