Pope Leo XIV made history by canonizing Carlo Acutis as the first millennial saint during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. The event drew an estimated 80,000 attendees, including clergy and faithful from around the world. Acutis, who died at the age of 15 from leukemia in 2006, was recognized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another Italian who passed away young.

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized the significance of both saints, stating they created "masterpieces" with their lives dedicated to God. He urged the youth to avoid wasting their lives and instead strive to make them meaningful. "The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan," he said.

Carlo Acutis, born on May 3, 1991, in London, earned the nickname "God’s Influencer" for his innovative use of technology. He created a multilingual website that documented Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Catholic Church. His project was notable for being completed by a teenager at a time when such initiatives were typically undertaken by professionals. Acutis was diagnosed with acute leukemia in October 2006 and died shortly after. He was later entombed in Assisi.

Pope Francis had been a strong advocate for Acutis's canonization, believing that his story could resonate with young Catholics and help them navigate the challenges of the digital age. Acutis has two miracles attributed to him, a requirement for sainthood. The first miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a pancreatic disorder after he prayed to Acutis. The second miracle, recognized last year, involved a Costa Rican student who recovered from severe head trauma after her mother prayed at Acutis's tomb.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was canonized alongside Acutis, was known for his deep spirituality and commitment to serving the poor. He died at the age of 24 from polio, which he likely contracted while helping those in need. Frassati's life was marked by his dedication to the less fortunate, and he was recognized for his humble service in Turin, Italy.

Both saints were celebrated during a Mass that coincided with the Holy Year’s jubilee for teens. The ceremony was initially scheduled for April but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. The late pontiff had previously called the internet a "gift from God" and encouraged its use to engage with the youth.

The canonization of Acutis and Frassati marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church, as it highlights the importance of faith in the modern world and the role of young people in the church's future.