Pope Leo XIV has officially recognized a 15-year-old computer whiz as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. This move is intended to offer a modern-day icon for young Catholics, highlighting the use of technology in promoting faith and earning the title of ‘influencer of God’. However, the canonization of Carlo Acutis has been met with controversy due to accusations of antisemitism linked to some of the miracles he promoted.
Leo’s declaration of sainthood for Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006, was made during a public prayer service in St. Peter’s Square. The event drew a crowd of thousands, including a significant number of young people and families.
Adding to the ceremony, Leo also declared Pier Giorgio Frassati, a beloved Italian figure who died young, as a saint. The Vatican reported that 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and 212 priests participated in the prayer service led by Leo, underscoring its significance for both the Church hierarchy and the laity.
However, the ceremony has not been without its disputes. Accusations have surfaced that some of the miracles Acutis publicized online are rooted in age-old antisemitic tropes that have historically fueled hatred and violence against Jewish communities. Some prominent figures from both the Jewish and Catholic communities have criticized the Vatican for what they see as a dismissal of the antisemitic undertones related to these miracles.
The prayer service, held to celebrate the sainthood of Carlo Acutis, brought together thousands in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Leo, the first American Pope, made an impromptu appearance before the congregation before the service, greeting ‘the many young people’ in attendance.