Carlo Acutis to be canonized on September 7 in Pope Leo XIV’s first sainthood ceremony

Pope Leo XIV has officially set September 7 as the new date for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, marking the first saint-making ceremony of his papacy and cementing Acutis’ place as the Catholic Church’s first saint from the millennial generation.

The announcement was made Friday during a consistory, a formal gathering of cardinals to confirm upcoming canonization dates. The ceremony had been originally scheduled for April but was delayed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

Acutis, who died at 15 in 2006 after a rapid battle with leukemia, has gained widespread devotion among young Catholics. Known for blending deep faith with modern-day interests like computer programming and video games, he also created an online exhibit cataloging more than 100 eucharistic miracles.

His tomb in Assisi, where he is displayed in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt, has drawn thousands of pilgrims, particularly during the ongoing 2025 Holy Year.

Assisi Bishop Domenico Sorrentino welcomed the rescheduled date and said, “The canonization of Acutis and Frassati would put holiness in ordinary life at the center of attention of the church, especially for new generations.”

Acutis will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, a fellow young Italian who died at 24 from polio in 1925.

Canonization requires recognition of two miracles. Acutis’ second miracle involved a Costa Rican woman who emerged from an irreversible coma after her mother prayed at his tomb in 2022. She later visited the site herself to give thanks. The first miracle, recognized in 2013, involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a severe pancreatic disorder.