Lasting Legacy of Carlo Acutis: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Carlo Acutis—a timeline of influence.

Carlo Acutis was a British-born teenager of Italian ancestry, deeply devoted to the Eucharist. He passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. His devotion to the Eucharist was central to his life. The cause for his canonization began in 2013, and he was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020. After a second miracle attributed to his intercession was confirmed in May 2024, approval was granted to move forward with canonization, initially planned for April 2025, but postponed after the death of Pope Francis.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

October 2012: Cause for Beatification Opened

On October 12, 2012, the sixth anniversary of Carlo Acutis's death, the Archdiocese of Milan opened the cause for his beatification, beginning the formal process towards sainthood.

February 2013: Diocesan Investigation Opened

On February 15, 2013, Cardinal Angelo Scola inaugurated the diocesan investigation into Carlo Acutis's life, marking a significant step in the process of canonization.

May 2013: Nihil Obstat Issued for Canonization

On May 13, 2013, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints issued a nihil obstat, indicating that there were no impediments to moving forward with the cause for Carlo Acutis's canonization.

May 2013: Formal Introduction to Canonization Cause

On May 13, 2013, the formal introduction to the cause for canonization occurred, and Carlo Acutis was given the title "Servant of God", marking an important step in the process.

2013: Cause for canonization opened

In 2013, the cause for canonization of Carlo Acutis was officially opened, marking the formal beginning of the process to recognize him as a saint.

November 2016: Diocesan Investigation Concluded

On November 24, 2016, the diocesan investigation into the life of Carlo Acutis formally concluded, as Cardinal Angelo Scola stated that Acutis was "a new treasure in the Ambrosian church".

July 2018: Declared Venerable

On July 5, 2018, Pope Francis confirmed Carlo Acutis's life as one of heroic virtue, declaring him Venerable, a significant step towards beatification and eventual canonization.

April 2019: Body brought to Assisi

On April 6, 2019, Carlo Acutis's body was brought to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, his final wish, and venerated. The procession stopped at the Cathedral of San Rufino where the diocesan choir sang a hymn composed for the occasion.

November 2019: Medical Council Opinion on Miracle

On November 14, 2019, the Vatican's Medical Council expressed a positive opinion regarding a miracle in Brazil attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession, involving the healing of a child with a pancreatic defect.

2019: Nicola Gori as Postulator

As of 2019, Nicola Gori served as the postulator for Carlo Acutis's cause for canonization.

February 2020: Miracle Authenticity Confirmed

On February 21, 2020, Pope Francis confirmed the authenticity of a miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession, paving the way for his beatification.

October 2020: Beatification by Pope Francis

In October 2020, Carlo Acutis was beatified by Pope Francis, marking a significant step in the process of his sainthood.

October 2020: Beatification Ceremony

In October 2020, after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlo Acutis's beatification ceremony was held on October 10 in the Upper Church of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy.

October 2020: Relics on Display

Since the beatification ceremony on October 10, 2020, Carlo Acutis's relics have been on display in his tomb at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, allowing pilgrims to visit and venerate him.

2020: Miracle Recognized by Catholic Church

In 2020, the Catholic Church recognized the curing of a child's pancreatic disease as a miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession, leading to increased media and public attention.

2022: The Second Miracle Occurrence

In 2022, the second miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis occurred. A Costa Rican woman named Valeria suffered a brain haemorrhage after falling off her bike and subsequently experienced a miraculous recovery after her mother prayed for Acutis's intercession.

May 2024: Second miracle confirmation

In May 2024, a second miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession was confirmed, advancing his path to canonization.

May 2024: Recognition of Second Miracle

On May 23, 2024, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis, involving the healing of a Costa Rican woman named Valeria who had suffered a severe brain haemorrhage in 2022.

July 2024: Approval for Canonization

In July 2024, Pope Francis granted approval to proceed with the canonization of Carlo Acutis, following the confirmation of a second miracle attributed to his intercession.

November 2024: Canonization Announcement

On November 20, 2024, it was announced that Carlo Acutis would be canonized during the 2025 Jubilee, specifically during the Jubilee of Teenagers from April 25–27, 2025, with the ceremony confirmed for Sunday, April 27.

April 2025: Canonization Postponement

Following Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced that Carlo Acutis's canonization ceremony, originally scheduled for April 27, would be postponed, with a new date to be determined.