The Vatican has made a significant announcement today, elevating two young Italians to sainthood. Pope Leo XIV, in his first canonization ceremony, declared Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as the newest saints of the Catholic Church.

Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer enthusiast who died in 2006, has been dubbed “God’s Influencer” for his use of technology to spread religious teachings. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who passed away at 24 in 1925, was known for his charitable works among the poor of Turin.

The Vatican appears to be making a concerted effort to present relatable role models to younger generations of Catholics. Acutis, in particular, represents a bridge between traditional Catholic values and the digital age.

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The canonization Mass in St. Peter’s Square was attended by tens of thousands, including a notable presence of millennials and young families. The Vatican reports that 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests participated in the ceremony, underscoring the broad appeal of these new saints.

Both canonizations were originally scheduled earlier this year but were postponed following the death of Pope Francis in April. It was Francis who had championed Acutis’ cause, seeing in him a potential icon for youth engagement with the Church.

This move by the Vatican raises important questions about the Church’s strategy in the digital era. Acutis, who created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, represents a model of restrained technology use that aligns with the Church’s concerns about the impact of digital media on society.

Acutis’ tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site, with his body, preserved in a glass-sided tomb, drawing millions of young Catholics. This phenomenon echoes traditional forms of Catholic devotion, now applied to a contemporary figure.

The Catholic Church is actively seeking to modernize its image while maintaining its core teachings. The canonization of these young saints appears to be part of a broader strategy to engage with younger generations and address the challenges of the digital age.