On November 20, Pope Francis announced that he will canonize Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) and Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) during two events to be held in Rome in 2025.
Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis (1991-2006).
Carlo Acutis was born in 1991 and passed away in 2006; he will be canonized in April 2025. Born in London, England, but raised in Italy, this young man dedicated most of his short life to the Catholic faith, according to the BBC.
Acutis was also known as the “computer whiz,” using his technological talents to design websites for parishes and schools, and he launched a website aimed at documenting every reported miracle just days before he died.
In May, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to this young man, who will become the youngest contemporary saint of the church. This move comes four years after Acutis was beatified in 2020 with a miracle attributed to him. The Catholic Church believes that only God performs miracles, but saints are thought to intercede for those who pray to them in heaven. Miracles are often considered inexplicable medical healings of individuals.
Acutis passed away in Monza, Italy, shortly after being diagnosed with leukemia. His remains were transferred to Assisi in 2007, where they now rest alongside other relics associated with him.
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)
Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian youth who died from polio in the 1920s, will also be canonized in 2025. Frassati is regarded as one of Italy’s “social saints,” or “L’Amico di Dio” (Friend of God).
Born into a wealthy upper-class family, he frequently assisted those in need. He was beatified in 1990.
The Vatican had been awaiting a second miracle to proceed with his canonization. However, Pope Francis recently approved the canonization of Frassati for next summer, prior to a decree being issued recognizing another miracle attributed to this saint.
