Why Hundreds of Thousands Are Flocking to Carlo Acutis’ Tomb And What It Means for Us
Holy Highlights
Archives
Why Hundreds of Thousands Are Flocking to Carlo Acutis’ Tomb And What It Means for Us
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Why Hundreds of Thousands Are Flocking to Carlo Acutis’ Tomb And What It Means for Us |
The Canonization of the First Millennial Saint Sparks a Surge in Pilgrimage to Assisi |
 |
In the first eight months of 2025, over 620,000 pilgrims have visited the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy.
This remarkable influx underscores the profound impact of his recent canonization.
August alone saw a surge of more than 121,000 visitors, a figure significantly boosted by the Jubilee of Youth and Acutis' canonization by Pope Leo XIV on September 7 in St. Peter’s Square.
Born in 1991, Acutis was a tech-savvy teenager who used his skills to spread the Catholic faith online.
He passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15.
His body is enshrined in the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi, where pilgrims can venerate his relics and view his body dressed in jeans, a track jacket, and Nike sneakers, reflecting his relatable, modern-day image.
On the day of his canonization, locals filled the church in Assisi to watch a livestream of the Mass, while a special train organized by the diocese transported over 800 pilgrims from Umbria to Rome to join the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
At the canonization Mass, Acutis' brother, Michele, read a Scripture passage in English, and Valeria Vargas Valverde—the Costa Rican woman healed in a miracle attributed to his intercession in 2022 read one of the prayers of the faithful.
The following day, Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi offered a Mass of Thanksgiving at Carlo’s tomb, attended by the saint’s parents, Antonia and Andrea, and hundreds of pilgrims.
In his homily, Sorrentino emphasized, “We are all called to be saints, but each in his or her own way.”
Be inspired by modern witnesses like St. Carlo—delivered to your inbox.
He highlighted Acutis' simple yet profound path to holiness, encouraging the faithful to embrace their unique gifts and passions in service to God.
Celebrations in Assisi included the unveiling of a new bronze statue by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz on September 5.
Titled “St. Carlo at the Cross,” the 11.5-foot sculpture depicts the young saint holding a laptop with a chalice and paten on the screen, symbolizing his dedication to the Eucharist and his innovative evangelization efforts.
Several curial cardinals are planning to travel to Assisi to offer thanksgiving Masses in the coming weeks.
Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, will preside on September 28 at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, head of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, will celebrate Mass on October 5 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
On October 12, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, will offer Mass for the feast of St. Carlo Acutis.
The overwhelming response to St. Carlo Acutis' canonization reflects a deep yearning for relatable, contemporary models of holiness.
His life serves as a testament to the power of integrating faith with modern technology, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their own paths to sainthood in the digital age.
Want more stories that anchor your Catholic identity in hope and holiness? |