On Sunday, September 7, Pope Leo XIV canonized two young saints at St. Peter’s Square. Thousands of faithful from around the world attended the historic ceremony, the first canonization of his papacy. The families of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati were also present.
Canonization Rite
Right after the beginning of the Mass, the Veni Creator Spiritus was sung. The Pope then officially petitioned to inscribe the two blesseds in the catalog of saints. The Litany of All Saints followed, invoking Heaven’s intercession. The central moment came when Pope Leo proclaimed the canonization formula, declaring them saints. The “Gloria” was sung, and the official images of the new saints were presented.
Holiness Within Everyone’s Reach
In his homily, Pope Leo highlighted the young saints’ devotion to God, neighbors, and the poor. He commended their daily practices: Mass, prayer, confession, and Eucharistic adoration.
“Both had a deep devotion to the saints and the Virgin Mary, he said. ‘Pier Giorgio spoke of a light surrounding the poor and sick. Carlo reminded us that Heaven always awaits and that loving tomorrow means offering the best of today.’”
The Pope called on all, especially young people, to live life fully and direct it “upwards,” transforming it into a true masterpiece.
“Carlo said: ‘Not me, but God.’ Pier Giorgio taught: ‘Make God the center of every action, and you will reach the end.’ Their simple but powerful formula of holiness is a model for us all.”
The Mass concluded with the veneration of the saints’ relics.
Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint
Born in 1991 in London and raised in Milan, Carlo Acutis showed a deep faith and devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary from a young age. Passionate about technology, he created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide. Known for his discreet assistance to the poor and marginalized, he was called “God’s influencer” and “patron of the internet.” Diagnosed with leukemia in 2006, he offered his suffering for the Church and the Pope, dying at age 15. He was beatified in 2020.
Pier Giorgio Frassati: The Man of the Beatitudes
Born in 1901 in Turin to an influential family, Pier Giorgio demonstrated a love for Christ and a commitment to serving the poor and sick from a young age. An engineering student, he balanced studies with prayer, Mass, and apostolic activities. Passionate about mountains, he saw them as a path to God and friendship. Joyful and generous, he lived the Gospel concretely. He died at 24 in 1925 and was beatified by John Paul II in 1990 as “the man of the Beatitudes.”
