The Vatican has postponed the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was originally scheduled for April 27, 2025. The postponement follows the death of Pope Francis, as canonizations fall under the pontifical magisterium. The canonization was to coincide with the Jubilee of Adolescents, which was expected to draw many young faithful. No new date for the canonization has been announced, and the next pope will set a new date.
12 days ago
The Vatican has announced the postponement of Blessed Carlo Acutis' canonization, initially scheduled for April 27, 2025 1 2 6. This decision follows the death of Pope Francis 1 2 3 5 6. The official announcement was made by the Holy See Press Office on April 21, 2025 1 4 6.
While the canonization Mass is suspended, the Mass for the Jubilee of Adolescents will still take place 1 2 6. The Jubilee of Adolescents is scheduled to proceed from April 25-27 in Rome 1 2. However, the musical celebration planned for April 26 at Circus Maximus has been canceled as a sign of respect during the mourning period 1.
Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, is known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his tech-savviness 6. He is set to be the first millennial to be canonized as a saint 1 2 6. Acutis was known for calling the Eucharist "my highway to heaven" and created an online exhibition of Eucharistic miracles 6.
The Catholic Church has entered a period of mourning following Pope Francis' death 6. The funeral for the late Pope Francis is expected to occur within a week 6. A conclave to elect his successor will typically begin approximately 15 days after the Pope's death 6.
The postponement has caused disappointment, especially for the young pilgrims who were planning to attend the canonization during the Jubilee of Adolescents 5 6. Over 80,000 teenagers were expected to gather in Rome for the event 6. A new date for the canonization will be determined by the next Pope 5 6.
Yes, papal authority is essential for the canonization of saints . Canonization is a solemn ceremony where the Church declares that a deceased person was remarkably holy and worthy of veneration .
Here's how the process highlights the Pope's authority:
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints investigates the lives of potential saints . Postulators contribute by highlighting the examples of those baptized whom have lived and witnessed the Gospel . The main stages in the recognition of holiness by the Church, that is, beatification and canonization, are linked to each other by a bond of great coherence .
Most theologians believe the Pope is infallible when issuing a decree of canonization . The Church only canonizes those whose heroic virtue has been proven by common repute and conclusive arguments .
In the past, some individuals were venerated as saints without formal Church approval, but Alexander III prohibited this, reserving the right of veneration to the Roman Church . Urban VII further clarified this by reserving the rights of both beatification and canonization exclusively to the Holy See .
In certain cases, "equivalent canonization" occurs when the Pope orders a Servant of God to be venerated in the Universal Church, even without a formal judicial process . This usually involves ordering an Office and Mass in the saint's honor .
In summary, the canonization process is thorough, requiring investigation, examination, and ultimately, the Pope's declaration to recognize an individual as a saint . This underscores the essential role of papal authority in the canonization of saints .