Carlo Acutis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintCarlo Acutis |
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| Confessor | |
| Born | 3 May 1991 London, England |
| Died | 12 October 2006 (aged 15) Monza, Italy |
| Resting place | Santa Maria Maggiore, Assisi |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 10 October 2020, Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Assisi, Italy, by Agostino Vallini (on behalf of Pope Francis) |
| Canonized | 7 September 2025, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope Leo XIV |
| Major shrine | Santa Maria Maggiore, Assisi |
| Feast | 12 October |
| Patronage | The Internet |
Carlo Acutis (May 3, 1991 – October 12, 2006) was an Italian teenager who loved computers and his Catholic faith. He is famous for using his tech skills to share his beliefs online. He lived a short but very full life.
Carlo was very devoted to the Eucharist, a central part of the Catholic faith. He created a website to share information about Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. He died from leukemia when he was only 15 years old.
He became a saint in the Catholic Church on September 7, 2025. Because of his love for technology and faith, he is often called the "Patron Saint of the Internet" and "God's Influencer."
Contents
Who Was Carlo Acutis?
Carlo Acutis was born in London, England, on May 3, 1991. His parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, were from Italy. Soon after he was born, his family moved back to Milan, Italy, where he grew up.
A Kind and Curious Kid
Carlo was a friendly and kind boy. On his way to school, he would greet all the building caretakers by name. He was an average student but loved to learn on his own, especially about computers.
He also had many hobbies. He enjoyed playing video games like Mario and Pokémon, playing soccer with friends, and learning to play the saxophone. He also loved animals, especially his dogs.
A Life of Faith
Carlo's parents were not very religious, but Carlo's strong faith inspired his mother to return to the Church. He showed a deep love for his faith from a young age. He enjoyed praying and learning about the lives of saints like Francis of Assisi.
Sharing His Beliefs
Carlo's kindness and faith touched many people. A man named Rajesh, who worked for his family, became friends with Carlo. After talking with Carlo about his beliefs, Rajesh decided to become a Christian and be baptized.
Carlo also helped people experiencing homelessness. He would use his own money to buy them food and sleeping bags. He believed in treating everyone with kindness and respect.
When he was just 12, he became a catechist. This means he helped teach younger children about the Catholic faith in his local church.
God's Computer Geek
Carlo was known as a "computer geek" because he was so good with computers and the internet. He taught himself how to program and build websites. He often used his skills to help his church and school with their technology projects.
A Website for Miracles
When he was 14, Carlo started his biggest project. He created a website to document every Eucharistic miracle that has been reported around the world. These are special events that Catholics believe show the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He spent over two years working on the site, which is still used today.
Final Days
In early October 2006, Carlo suddenly became very sick. Doctors discovered he had a serious form of leukemia, a type of blood cancer. He was only 15 years old.
Even though he was very ill, Carlo remained brave and focused on his faith. He offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church. When doctors asked if he was in pain, he said, "There are people who suffer much more than me."
Carlo passed away on October 12, 2006. It was his wish to be buried in Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, whom he admired.
His body is preserved in a tomb in the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, where many people visit to pray.
Path to Sainthood
Many people were inspired by Carlo's life and believed he should become a saint. The process for someone to be named a saint in the Catholic Church has several steps.
Miracles and Beatification
For someone to become a saint, the Church must confirm that miracles have happened through their prayers. The first miracle connected to Carlo involved a young boy in Brazil in 2013. The boy had a serious illness that made it hard for him to eat, but he was healed after his family prayed to Carlo.
After the Church confirmed this miracle, Carlo was beatified on October 10, 2020. This is the last step before becoming a saint, and he was given the title "Blessed."
Canonization: Becoming a Saint
A second miracle was needed for Carlo to be named a saint. This happened in 2022 when a young woman from Costa Rica had a very serious head injury after a bicycle accident. Doctors said she was unlikely to survive. Her mother prayed at Carlo's tomb, and the young woman made a full recovery.
After this second miracle was approved, Pope Francis announced that Carlo would become a saint. Carlo Acutis was officially canonized (named a saint) on September 7, 2025, in Saint Peter's Square.
Legacy: The First Gamer Saint
Carlo Acutis is remembered as a modern saint for our times. He showed that you can love video games, computers, and your faith all at the same time. He is sometimes called the "first gamer saint."
The photo exhibition he created about Eucharistic miracles has traveled all over the world, inspiring people on every continent.
See also
In Spanish: Carlo Acutis para niños
