Carlo Acutis was just 15 when he died in 2006. British-born and living in Milan, the teenager became a devout Catholic and used his computer skills to develop a website detailing miracles. Just a few days after he launched his website, he fell ill and died.
By 2013 he was on the way to sainthood having been named a “Servant of God”; in that same year a woman in Brazil claimed that praying to Acutis helped heal her son’s pancreatic illness. In 2020 Pope Francis authenticated the miracle and Acutis was beatified. Then, in 2024, a second miracle was recognised.
The Pope approved Acutis’ canonisation in July, with an official ceremony set for 2025.
Already relics of the “saint dressed in jeans, sneakers and a sweatshirt” are touring the world with a lock of his hair being stolen at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois.
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Former Irish Times religious correspondent Patsy McGarry explains the path to sainthood and what the teenager’s elevation means.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
