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, a British-born Italian, was a website designer who meticulously documented Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions on a website he created. Known for his computer skills, cheerfulness, and profound devotion to the Eucharist, this became central to his life. He died from leukemia at a young age. Acutis's work and faith have left a lasting impression, leading to his beatification and recognition as a role model, particularly for young people, within the Catholic Church.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

October 2012: Canonization Cause Opens

On 12 October 2012, which marked the sixth anniversary of his death, the Archdiocese of Milan officially opened the cause for the canonization of Carlo Acutis.

February 2013: Diocesan Investigation Opening

On 15 February 2013, the diocesan investigation into Carlo Acutis's life and virtues was officially opened by Cardinal Angelo Scola.

May 2013: Formal Introduction to Cause

In May 2013, the formal introduction to the cause for Carlo Acutis's canonization occurred, and he was given the title "Servant of God."

May 2013: Nihil Obstat Issued

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

November 2016: Conclusion of Diocesan Investigation

In November 2016, the diocesan investigation into the life and virtues of Carlo Acutis was concluded. Cardinal Angelo Scola, who inaugurated the process, also concluded it.

July 2018: Declared Venerable

On 5 July 2018, Pope Francis confirmed that Carlo Acutis had lived a life of heroic virtue and declared him Venerable, marking another significant step towards his canonization.

2018: Pope Francis Praises Acutis

In 2018, Pope Francis, during the Synod on Young People, praised Carlo Acutis as a model for people who live normal lives to grow in holiness.

April 2019: Body Brought to Assisi

On 6 April 2019, Carlo Acutis's body was brought to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, fulfilling his final wish to be buried there. During an overnight procession his body was venerated.

November 2019: Positive Opinion on Miracle

On 14 November 2019, the Vatican's Medical Council of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints expressed a positive opinion about a miracle in Brazil attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession.

2019: Postulator

As of 2019, Nicola Gori became the postulator for Carlo Acutis's cause for canonization, a role that involves guiding the process and gathering evidence.

February 2020: Miracle Authenticity Confirmed

On 21 February 2020, Pope Francis confirmed the authenticity of a miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession in Brazil, 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 recognition of his holiness.

October 2020: Beatification Rescheduled and Held

In October 2020, the beatification ceremony of Carlo Acutis was held in the Upper Church of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy. Originally scheduled earlier, the ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Relics Displayed

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

2020: Miracle Recognition

In 2020, the Catholic Church recognized a miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis's intercession, involving the curing of a child's pancreatic disease. This recognition paved the way for his beatification.

April 2022: First Life-Sized Statue in UK

In April 2022, the first life-sized statue of Carlo Acutis in the United Kingdom was erected at Carfin Grotto in North Lanarkshire, Scotland.

May 2024: Second Miracle Confirmed

In May 2024, a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis was confirmed, paving the way for his canonization.

May 2024: Recognition of Second Miracle

On 23 May 2024, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis, involving the healing of a Costa Rican woman who suffered a brain haemorrhage after a bicycle accident.

July 2024: Approval for Canonization

In July 2024, Pope Francis granted approval to proceed with the canonization of Carlo Acutis, signifying the Church's recognition of his sainthood.

July 2024: Canonization Approved

On 1 July 2024, Pope Francis presided at an Ordinary Consistory of Cardinals, during which the canonization of Carlo Acutis was approved.

November 2024: Canonization Date Announced

On 20 November 2024, the date for the canonization of Carlo Acutis was announced. The canonization would occur during the Jubilee of Teenagers from 25–27 April 2025, and specifically on Sunday, 27 April.

2024: Sculpture by Timothy Schmalz

In 2024, Timothy Schmalz created a sculpture of Carlo Acutis, featuring a crucified image of Jesus emerging from his chest. This sculpture is an artistic representation of Acutis's faith and legacy.

April 2025: Canonization During Jubilee of Teenagers

In April 2025, Carlo Acutis is set to be canonized during the Jubilee of Teenagers, specifically on April 27. This event marks the culmination of the process towards recognizing him as a saint.