Who Was Blessed Carlo Acutis and Why Is His Work with Eucharistic Miracles Significant?

Brief Overview

• Blessed Carlo Acutis was a young Italian Catholic, born in 1991, who was beatified by the Catholic Church in 2020 for his virtuous life and devotion to the Eucharist.
• Despite his short life, ending at age 15 due to leukemia, Carlo used his computer skills to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world.
• His work aimed to deepen faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a central teaching of the Catholic Church.
• Carlo’s catalog includes over 150 documented Eucharistic miracles, each verified by the Church and supported by historical and scientific evidence.
• His beatification marked him as the first millennial to be declared “Blessed,” making him a relatable model for young Catholics today.
• His upcoming canonization on September 7, 2025, highlights his enduring impact on the Church’s mission to promote Eucharistic devotion.

Detailed Response

Early Life and Faith of Carlo Acutis

Blessed Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents, but he was raised in Milan, Italy. From a young age, he exhibited a profound faith, particularly in the Eucharist, which he considered the cornerstone of his spiritual life. At age seven, Carlo began attending daily Mass, a practice uncommon for someone so young, especially in a family that was not deeply religious at the time. His mother, Antonia, has shared that Carlo’s faith inspired her own return to active practice of Catholicism. He also prayed the Rosary daily and spent time in Eucharistic Adoration, seeking to grow closer to Christ. Carlo’s commitment to the sacraments was rooted in his belief that they were essential for living a holy life. His early devotion was not driven by obligation but by a genuine love for God. This love influenced his interactions with others, as he was known for his kindness, particularly toward those who were marginalized or bullied. His life exemplified the Catholic teaching that holiness is attainable in everyday circumstances, as noted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2013). Carlo’s faith, though nurtured in a modern context, reflected the timeless call to sanctity found in Matthew 5:48.

Passion for the Eucharist

The Eucharist was central to Carlo’s spiritual life, which he described as his “highway to heaven.” He believed firmly in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a doctrine affirmed by the Church in CCC 1374. Carlo taught that frequent reception of the Eucharist transforms believers, making them more like Christ. His devotion led him to attend Mass daily and to spend significant time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He saw the Eucharist as a source of grace that strengthened his resolve to live virtuously. Carlo’s understanding of the Eucharist was not merely personal but also communal, as he encouraged others to encounter Christ in the sacrament. His actions aligned with the Church’s teaching that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life (CCC 1324). He often shared his faith with friends and family, using simple language to explain complex theological truths. For Carlo, the Eucharist was not an abstract concept but a living reality that shaped his daily decisions. His devotion serves as a reminder of the importance of Eucharistic reverence in Catholic life, as emphasized in John 6:51.

Creation of the Eucharistic Miracles Website

At age 11, Carlo began a project that would become his lasting legacy: a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide. Using his self-taught computer programming skills, he compiled detailed accounts of over 150 miracles, each verified by the Church. The website, accessible at www.miracolieucaristici.org, includes historical records, scientific analyses, and images of miracles spanning centuries and continents. Carlo’s goal was to provide evidence of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, reinforcing the Church’s teaching in CCC 1373. He spent over two years researching and designing the site, often traveling with his family to visit sites of these miracles. The website is available in multiple languages, making it a global resource for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Each miracle is presented with clarity, including details such as dates, locations, and Church investigations. Carlo’s work demonstrates how modern technology can serve the Church’s mission of evangelization. The site remains active today, hosted by the Associazione Amici di Carlo Acutis, and has been displayed in thousands of parishes worldwide. His project reflects the call to use one’s talents for God’s glory, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30.

Notable Eucharistic Miracles Documented by Carlo

Carlo’s website highlights several well-known Eucharistic miracles, each illustrating the Church’s belief in the Eucharist’s divine nature. One prominent example is the Miracle of Lanciano, Italy, from the 8th century, where a consecrated host transformed into human flesh and blood during Mass. Scientific studies in the 1970s confirmed the flesh as human heart tissue and the blood as type AB, consistent with findings from the Shroud of Turin. Another miracle, from Santarém, Portugal, in the 13th century, involved a host that bled after being stolen, leading to its veneration. The Miracle of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1996, saw a discarded host turn into flesh, later identified as heart tissue showing signs of suffering. Carlo included these and other miracles to show that the Eucharist is not merely symbolic but truly Christ’s body and blood (CCC 1376). Each miracle was carefully documented with Church-approved sources, ensuring credibility. His work makes these events accessible to a modern audience, fostering faith in the Eucharist’s mystery. The miracles span 20 countries, showing the universal nature of God’s presence, as described in John 6:55. Carlo’s catalog remains a powerful tool for catechesis and evangelization.

Impact of the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition

The Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition, based on Carlo’s website, has reached thousands of parishes and over 100 university campuses, particularly in the United States. The exhibition consists of 156 posters, each detailing a specific miracle with historical and scientific evidence. It has been displayed on five continents, spreading awareness of the Eucharist’s significance. Parishes can download the exhibition materials for free from Carlo’s website, making it widely accessible. The display has inspired both young and old to deepen their faith in the Real Presence, aligning with the Church’s mission of Eucharistic revival. For example, at Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, the exhibition drew significant interest from youth, who found Carlo’s life relatable. The exhibition’s global reach reflects Carlo’s vision of using technology to share the Gospel, as encouraged in Mark 16:15. It also supports the Church’s teaching that miracles can strengthen faith (CCC 156). Carlo’s work has become a cornerstone of the U.S. bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival, emphasizing the Eucharist’s centrality. His exhibition continues to inspire Catholics to approach the Eucharist with reverence and awe.

Beatification Process and Miracles

Carlo Acutis was beatified on October 10, 2020, in Assisi, Italy, after a miracle was attributed to his intercession. The process began in 2012 when he was declared a Servant of God, followed by recognition as Venerable in 2018 for his heroic virtue. The first miracle involved a Brazilian boy, Matheus, who was healed of a congenital pancreatic disorder after venerating a relic of Carlo in 2013. The healing, confirmed as scientifically inexplicable, occurred on October 12, the feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, coinciding with Carlo’s death anniversary. The Church’s rigorous process for verifying miracles, involving theologians and scientists, ensures credibility (CCC 828). A second miracle, recognized in May 2024, involved another inexplicable healing, paving the way for Carlo’s canonization on September 7, 2025. This miracle further confirmed Carlo’s intercessory power in heaven. His beatification was notable for the presence of his family and friends, highlighting his relatability as a modern figure. The process reflects the Church’s careful discernment of sainthood, as outlined in CCC 828. Carlo’s miracles underscore his role as an intercessor, particularly for those seeking deeper Eucharistic faith, as seen in Hebrews 12:1.

Canonization and Legacy

The announcement of Carlo’s canonization on September 7, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, as he will become the first millennial saint. Originally scheduled for April 2025, the canonization was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis. The event will occur during the Jubilee of Teenagers, emphasizing Carlo’s appeal to young Catholics. His life demonstrates that holiness is achievable in the modern world, even amidst ordinary activities like playing video games or using computers. Carlo’s canonization will likely elevate his status as a model for youth, as noted by Pope Francis in Christus Vivit (no. 105). His legacy includes not only the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition but also his example of living faith in daily life. Schools and parishes, such as Sacred Heart Elementary in Sioux City, have named spaces after him, like the St. Carlo Acutis STEM Lab. His relics, including a piece of his heart, have been venerated worldwide, fostering devotion. Carlo’s life aligns with the Church’s call to holiness for all (CCC 2013). His canonization will inspire Catholics to pursue sanctity, as encouraged in 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Relevance for Young Catholics

Carlo Acutis is often called the “patron saint of the internet” due to his use of technology for evangelization. His life resonates with young Catholics who navigate a digital world filled with distractions. He enjoyed video games and soccer but limited his screen time as a form of spiritual discipline, showing that balance is possible. Carlo’s example challenges youth to use their talents for God’s glory, as seen in Colossians 3:17. His website and exhibition demonstrate how modern tools can spread the Gospel. Young people, like those at St. Joseph Grade School in South Bend, find his story relatable because he lived a normal teenage life while pursuing holiness. His defense of bullied classmates and care for the homeless reflect the Church’s call to love one’s neighbor (CCC 1822). Carlo’s faith led his family to deeper conversion, showing that young people can influence others profoundly. His upcoming canonization has sparked excitement among youth groups, such as the Dead Theologians Society in Sioux City. Carlo’s life encourages young Catholics to prioritize faith in a secular world.

Eucharistic Revival and Carlo’s Role

The U.S. bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival, launched in 2022, has embraced Carlo Acutis as a patron due to his devotion to the Eucharist. His exhibition has been a key component of this initiative, helping Catholics rediscover the Real Presence. Parishes across the United States, like Immaculate Conception in Clarksville, have hosted the exhibition to educate parishioners. Carlo’s work aligns with the Church’s teaching that the Eucharist unites believers with Christ (CCC 1391). His life counters the modern tendency toward secularism, as noted by Pope Francis in Christus Vivit (no. 105). The revival emphasizes the need for renewed Eucharistic devotion, a mission Carlo championed through his website. His example shows that even a teenager can contribute significantly to the Church’s mission. The exhibition’s accessibility ensures that parishes worldwide can share his work. Carlo’s role in the revival highlights the power of laypeople in evangelization, as seen in Acts 2:17. His legacy continues to strengthen faith in the Eucharist globally.

Lessons from Carlo’s Life

Carlo Acutis’s life offers several lessons for Catholics today. First, he shows that holiness is possible at any age or in any era, aligning with the universal call to holiness (CCC 2013). His daily Mass attendance and Eucharistic Adoration demonstrate the importance of a sacramental life. Second, Carlo’s use of technology for evangelization encourages Catholics to engage with the modern world creatively. His website is a model of how to share faith effectively, as seen in Mark 16:15. Third, his compassion for the marginalized reflects the Church’s social teaching (CCC 2447). Fourth, Carlo’s perseverance in illness, offering his suffering for the Church, exemplifies redemptive suffering (CCC 1521). His life challenges Catholics to live intentionally for God, even in ordinary circumstances. Finally, his influence on his family shows that faith can transform relationships. Carlo’s example inspires Catholics to make the Eucharist central to their lives, as emphasized in John 6:35.