The Vatican has announced that Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized together on September 7. This joint canonization was announced by Pope Leo XIV during his first Ordinary Public Consistory. Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and as the "God Geek," will become the first millennial saint. Pier Giorgio Frassati is admired for his spirituality and service to the poor. The canonization has been highly anticipated by the faithful.
19 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has announced that Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized together on September 7 1 3 4 5 6 7. The announcement was made during the first ordinary public consistory of his pontificate 4 5. This event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, recognizing two young men who exemplified faith in the modern world 6 7.
The canonization of Carlo Acutis was initially scheduled for April 27, coinciding with the Jubilee of Teenagers 1 4 5. Pier Giorgio Frassati's canonization was initially set for August 3 during the Jubilee of Youth 1 4 5. Both events were postponed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 1 3 4 5 6. Logistical challenges during Rome's summer may have also influenced the decision to move Frassati's canonization to September 6.
Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, will be the first millennial to be declared a saint 4 5. Known for his computer-coding skills and devotion to the Eucharist, Acutis created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world, earning him the nickname "God's influencer" 1 3 4 5 6. The Vatican recognized a second miracle attributed to Acutis' intercession involving the healing of Valeria Valverde, who recovered from a serious brain injury after her mother prayed at Acutis' tomb 4 5.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in 1901, was known for his deep spirituality, love for the poor, and enthusiasm for life 1. He dedicated his time to serving the poor and sick through the St. Vincent de Paul Society 1 4 5. Frassati's motto, "Verso L'Alto" ("To the heights"), reflects his desire to strive for eternal life with Christ 4 5. He died at the age of 24 after contracting polio, possibly from those he served 1 4 5.
During the same consistory, Pope Leo XIV confirmed the canonization of seven other blesseds on October 19 1 3 4 5 6 7. These include: Blessed Ignatius Maloyan, martyred Armenian Catholic Archbishop; Blessed Peter To Rot, a martyred lay catechist from Papua New Guinea; Blessed Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; Blessed Maria Rendiles Martínez, founder of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus; Blessed Maria Troncatti, a Salesian sister and missionary in Ecuador; Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, a Venezuelan doctor known as "the doctor of the poor"; and Blessed Bartolo Longo, founder of the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei 1 3 4 5 6 7.
What is the Catholic Church's understanding of holiness?
The Catholic Church views holiness as a universal call, the very essence of Christian life, and the perfection of love, achievable through intimate union with Christ and the Holy Trinity . It is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic and transformative reality that impacts both the individual and the community .
Here's a breakdown of the Church's understanding of holiness:
Universal Call:
Foundation in Christ:
The Role of Love (Charity):
Means to Achieve Holiness:
The Church as Holy:
Personal and Communal Dimensions:
Manifestations of Holiness:
In summary, the Catholic Church understands holiness as a universal vocation rooted in Christ, achieved through love and expressed in service to God and neighbor. It is both a gift from God and a continuous journey of conversion and purification, impacting both the individual and the entire Church .