Saint Carlo Acutis is an Italian Catholic teenager known for his love of the Eucharist and extraordinary path to holiness.
He lived from May 3, 1991, to Oct. 12, 2006, and was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7, 2025.
Carlo Acutis is unique because he was familiar with modern-day cultural difficulties and opportunities. His story is considered very relatable, especially among young people.
His short life has had a lasting impact on the Church!
Here are 12 things you may not know about Saint Carlo Acutis:
1) Carlo Acutis was born in London but raised in Milan.
2) Although his parents were not especially devout, Carlo developed a love for the Rosary and the Mass from a young age. His witness of faith led to his mother’s conversion.
3) Carlo loved to play sports and video games. He enjoyed things like Pokémon and Super Mario!
4) Carlo taught himself coding and computer programming.
5) His family's housekeeper and nanny, Rajesh Mohur, converted from Hinduism to Catholicism with Carlo’s help. Carlo taught Mohur how to pray the rosary and explained to him the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
6) Carlo was passionate about using media and technology to spread the Gospel. Carlo is often referred to as “God’s Influencer.”
7) As a programmer, Carlo built a website promoting Eucharistic miracles.
8) “He was known for standing up for kids at school who got bullied, especially kids with disabilities. When a friend’s parents were getting a divorce, Carlo made a special effort to include his friend in the Acutis’ family life.” (Catholic News Agency)
9) Carlo was diagnosed with Leukemia as a teenager. He offered his suffering to the Lord for the Pope and the Church.
10) Carlo requested to be buried in Assisi due to his love of Saint Francis of Assisi.
11) Carlo was canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati by Pope Leo XIV on September 7, 2025.
12) The feast day of Saint Carlo Acutis is October 12th.
Here is a prayer to Saint Carlo Acutis:
Oh God, our Father, thank you for giving us Carlo,
a model of life for young people
and a message of love for all.
You have made him fall in love
with your son Jesus,
making the Eucharist
his "highway to heaven."
You have given him Mary
as a very beloved Mother,
and you have made him,
with her Rosary,
become a singer of her tenderness.
She welcomes his intercession for us.
He looks above all at the poor,
whom he loved and helped.
[Grant me also, through his intercession, the grace I need...]
And make our joy full,
leading Carlo among the saints
of the universal Church,
so that his smile continues
to shine for us and for the glory of your name.
You can find more information on the miracle attributed to his intercession here.