Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who died at 15 and who many people believe has been the source of posthumous miracles, is being canonized as a saint in Assisi.
The ceremony in the Umbrian hill town — long associated with Saint Francis — caps a rapid rise in Acutis's profile, particularly among young Catholics. Supporters and church officials say his story and example have brought new visitors to Assisi, while some critics have quietly questioned the church's motives in promoting his cause.
For eight centuries Assisi has been synonymous with Saint Francis, whose tomb in the basilica and sites such as the Sanctuary of Spoliation have drawn pilgrims. Church leaders say the pattern of visitation has shifted since Acutis's death: "When I came here, maybe one or two thousand visitors would visit this square each year," Archbishop of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino said, gesturing toward the sanctuary courtyard. "Do you know how many came last year? A million or more. All sorts of people used to come and see Francis but a new, younger type are coming for Carlo. At a time when society has many problems, he is their compass."
Devotees and some media outlets have called Acutis the first "Millennial Saint," and he has attracted attention for his youth, appearance and the fervor of younger pilgrims. Reports say millions of people believe he has performed miracles since his death at age 15. The surge in visitors has contributed to renewed attention on Assisi and on the Catholic Church's process for recognizing saints.
The cause has not been without controversy. Media reports and some commentators have described "dark whispers" about the church’s intentions in elevating a contemporary, media-savvy figure. Church officials and Acutis's supporters have countered that his example appeals to younger generations and can serve to rekindle religious practice and interest.
Acutis was born in London and spent his short life in Italy, where his family moved. He has been portrayed in press accounts as charismatic and photogenic; some reports have dubbed him a rock-star–like figure among young faithful. The exact accounts of alleged miracles attributed to him have been handled through the Vatican’s established procedures for beatification and canonization, which require verification and investigation by church authorities.
The canonization in Assisi is likely to reinforce the town's role as a pilgrimage destination and to intensify public discussion about how the modern church recognizes sanctity. Supporters say Acutis's canonization will inspire young Catholics and broaden interest in the faith. Critics and skeptical commentators say the episode highlights tensions over publicity, the church's engagement with modern media and the selection of contemporary figures for sainthood.
Church leaders in Assisi have sought to manage the influx of pilgrims while emphasizing the spiritual message they say Acutis embodied. Whether the canonization will have lasting impact beyond the immediate surge of visitors, and how it will shape perceptions of sanctity among younger generations, remains a subject of public and ecclesiastical interest.