The Vatican has announced the postponement of the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the British-born Italian teenager popularly known as “God’s Influencer”, following the death of Pope Francis.
The historic event, originally scheduled for Sunday, 27 April, would have made Acutis the first millennial to be declared a saint by the Catholic Church. In a brief statement issued on Monday, the Holy See said: “Following the death of the Sovereign Pontiff Francis, we inform you that the Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis… has been postponed.”
Born in London in 1991 to Italian parents, Carlo Acutis spent most of his life in Milan. Though his family was not especially devout, Carlo developed a deep faith from a young age, attending daily Mass and fostering a profound devotion to the Eucharist. He died at the age of 15 from leukaemia in 2006.
Dubbed the “Cyber Apostle,” Acutis taught himself computer programming to spread Catholic teachings online. His beatification in 2020 drew global attention, especially among younger Catholics who saw in him a relatable role model—dressed in jeans and sneakers and fluent in the digital language of his generation.
Two Vatican-confirmed miracles, including the healing of a Brazilian boy and a Costa Rican student, paved the way for his anticipated sainthood.
His mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, described him as “an ordinary boy with an extraordinary heart for Jesus.” His tomb in Assisi has since become a major pilgrimage site.
Concerns have emerged, however, over online sales of alleged relics associated with Carlo. Church authorities have condemned the practice and called for enforcement against such activity.
A new date for his canonisation will be set following the election of Pope Francis’ successor.
