Lincoln International Academy's School Newspaper
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The life of “God’s Influencer” Carlo Acutis
by Julio Castillo
Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who loved computers, video games, and soccer, is quickly becoming a powerful inspiration for young Catholics worldwide. Born on May 3, 1991, in London and raised in Milan, Italy, Carlo led a typical childhood, just like any other kid. He loved to help his friends with their schoolwork, had a sweet tooth, and enjoyed technology. But what distinguished him was his deep faith and commitment to share it in creative ways.
At the tender age of 11, Carlo began building a website that gathered and explained Eucharistic miracles — events that demonstrate the real presence of Christ. He learned about programming and design on his own, so that people everywhere could access these miracles. His passion for sharing this message eventually led to him being called “the cyber apostle of the Eucharist”. His website, which is still on today, shows and explains many of these miracles. It includes pictures and background information, and is available in different languages so that anyone can explore the Catholic faith deeper.
Carlo’s life wasn’t only about technology. Those who knew him remember his cheerful and generous personality. He often used his allowance to buy sleeping bags for people living on the streets and made time to assist classmates with tech issues or their homework. Carlo helped a homeless man who was sick and cold by finding him a place to stay and giving him his own shoes. He demonstrated that living with kindness doesn’t have to be something complex, but being guided by a willing heart.
In October 2006, Carlo’s life was tragically shortened when he passed away from leukemia at just 15 years old. Despite his illness, he remained hopeful and offered his suffering for others, saying he wanted to support the Church and the Pope. His bravery and Faith inspired many people far beyond his hometown. In 2020, Pope Francis declared him “Blessed” by saying “He knew how to use the new communications technology to transmit the Gospel, to communicate values and beauty.” bringing him closer to Sainthood and officially becoming the first millennial to be beatified. The Catholic Church has four steps to make someone a saint: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, and Saint. First, they check if the person lived a holy life and showed great virtue. Then, one confirmed miracle is needed to become Blessed, and usually a second miracle is needed to become a Saint. For Carlo, the healing of a Brazilian boy with a rare pancreas disease was accepted as a miracle, so he became Blessed in 2020, and Saint on September 7th, 2025.
Carlo’s legacy resonates deeply because it feels real and relatable. He wasn’t a celebrity or someone with endless resources, but just a teenager who used what he loved to make a difference. His life encourages us to reflect on how we utilize technology, how even small acts of kindness can have far-reaching effects, and how we can all become Saints in our daily lives.
