Vatican Postpones Carlo Acutis Canonization and Adjusts Jubilee of Teenagers Following Pope Francis' Death
The Vatican has announced changes to the Jubilee of Teenagers in Rome and postponed the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis following the death of Pope Francis. The canonization, originally scheduled for April 27, 2025, has been suspended due to the pontifical magisterium. The Jubilee of Teenagers events, including the pilgrimage and Mass, will proceed as planned. A musical celebration at Circus Maximus on April 26 has been canceled out of respect for the mourning period. The next pope will set a new date for the canonization.
about 2 months ago
The death of Pope Francis has triggered significant changes within the Vatican, impacting scheduled events and observances 1 3 5 6. A period of mourning has commenced, leading to adjustments in the calendar of celebrations and ceremonies 7. The passing of the Pope also initiates the process of electing a new pontiff, with a conclave expected to convene approximately 15 days after the death 7.
The canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, initially scheduled for April 27, 2025, has been officially suspended 1 3 4 5 6 7. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the postponement, citing the vacancy of the Apostolic See following Pope Francis' death as the primary reason 5 6. The act of canonization falls under the pontifical magisterium and cannot be carried out during this period 6. A new date for the canonization will be determined by the next Pope 6.
Despite the postponement of the canonization, the Jubilee of Teenagers is still scheduled to proceed in Rome from April 25-27 1 3 4. The event is expected to draw approximately 80,000 teenagers from around the world 1 7. Adjustments to the program include the cancellation of the musical celebration at Circus Maximus 1 3. However, key events such as the "Via Lucis" prayer, "Dialogues with the City," pilgrimages to the Holy Door, and the concluding Mass in St. Peter’s Square will still take place 1 3.
Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, is known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist 7. Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, he is the first millennial to be beatified 7. Acutis was a tech-savvy youth who used his computer skills to create an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles, which has been displayed in parishes across five continents 7. He is remembered for his quote: “People who place themselves before the sun get a tan; people who place themselves before the Eucharist become saints” 7.
What defines papal authority regarding canonization and jubilees?
The Pope's authority regarding canonization and jubilees is rooted in his position as the successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Christ . This authority is understood to be full, supreme, immediate, and universal over the Church .
Canonization is a solemn declaration by the Church that a deceased person lived a life of extraordinary holiness and is worthy of veneration .
Jubilees, or Holy Years, are special times proclaimed by the Pope for the remission of sins and the temporal punishment due to sin through indulgences .
In summary, the Pope's authority in canonization involves declaring the holiness of individuals, a process considered infallible by many theologians. For jubilees, the Pope has the authority to proclaim these special years and grant indulgences for the remission of sins, drawing from the Church's treasury of merits.