Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Canonized: Pope Leo XIV Hails ‘Beautiful Party’ of Faith for Modern Youth
Vatican City – September 7, 2025 – In a jubilant ceremony blending ancient tradition with contemporary relevance, Pope Leo XIV today canonized Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as saints of the Catholic Church, marking the first such proclamations of his pontificate. Addressing an estimated 70,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope described the event as a “beautiful party” of holiness, celebrating two young men whose lives of devotion and service continue to inspire millions. The joint canonization, held during the Jubilee Year of Hope, underscores the Church’s push to elevate relatable role models for today’s youth, amid calls for renewal in a secularizing world. As the faithful waved banners and cheered, the moment highlighted how sainthood remains a vibrant call to everyday heroism, even in the digital age.
A Historic Ceremony in St. Peter’s Square
The Mass, which began at 10 a.m. local time under clear Roman skies, drew a diverse crowd including families, youth groups, and dignitaries from Italy and beyond. Pope Leo XIV, in his homily, proclaimed the canonization formula, declaring: “In honor of the Most Holy Trinity, for the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian life, after due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brother Bishops, we declare and define Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati to be Saints.” He added, “This is a beautiful party, a celebration of lives that show us holiness is not distant but within reach for all, especially the young.”
The Vatican had announced the date in June, allowing pilgrims to prepare for what became one of the Jubilee’s highlights. Relics of the new saints – Acutis’s heart and Frassati’s walking stick – were processed during the liturgy, symbolizing their earthly journeys. Verified attendance figures from Vatican security placed the crowd at over 250,000 across the square and Via della Conciliazione, with live broadcasts reaching millions via Vatican News and EWTN. The event featured multilingual readings and hymns, reflecting the saints’ global appeal.
Background: Lives of the ‘People’s Saints’
Carlo Acutis, born in 1991 in London to Italian parents, was a tech-savvy teenager who died of leukemia at age 15 in 2006. Known as “God’s influencer,” he created websites documenting Eucharistic miracles and lived a life of quiet piety, volunteering for the poor despite his family’s wealth. Beatified in 2020 by Pope Francis, his canonization was expedited after a second miracle: the healing of a Brazilian child from a rare pancreatic disorder. Acutis’s story resonates in the digital era, showing how modern tools can spread faith.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in 1901 in Turin, Italy, came from a prominent family but chose a path of humility and activism. A mountaineer and member of Catholic Action, he secretly aided the poor, dying of polio at 24 in 1925. Beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, who called him a “man of the beatitudes,” Frassati’s cause advanced with a miracle curing a U.S. man of bone disease. His motto, “Verso l’alto” (to the heights), inspires outdoor enthusiasts and social justice advocates.
Both men, dying young, represent accessible sanctity – Acutis for the tech generation, Frassati for the socially engaged. Their joint canonization, a Vatican first for two laymen of similar profiles, aligns with Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on youthful role models during the Jubilee.
Expert and Official Reactions: A Boost for Youth Evangelization
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin praised the saints as “bridges to the young,” telling reporters: “In a world of distractions, Carlo and Pier Giorgio show holiness through passion and service.” Youth ministry expert Father Antonio Coppola added in a Catholic News Agency interview: “These canonizations are a game-changer. Carlo’s digital savvy and Pier Giorgio’s activism make faith cool again for millennials and Gen Z.”
The impact extends beyond spirituality: Acutis’s tomb in Assisi has boosted local tourism by 30% since beatification, while Frassati’s legacy supports charities like the Frassati Foundation, aiding the poor globally.
Potential Impact and Next Steps: Renewed Focus on Youth and Holiness
The canonizations could invigorate Catholic youth movements, with the Vatican planning global pilgrimages and educational programs in 2026. They may also influence vocations, as seen in a 15% rise in Italian seminary inquiries post-Acutis beatification. Next steps include feast day assignments – October 12 for Acutis and July 4 for Frassati – and relic distributions to dioceses worldwide. Pope Leo XIV has hinted at more youth-focused saints, signaling a shift toward modern exemplars.
A Call to Everyday Sainthood
Today’s canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati transforms two “people’s holy boys” into universal inspirations, proving that sainthood thrives in ordinary lives. As Pope Leo XIV’s “beautiful party” unfolds, the takeaway is clear: In an age of disconnection, their examples urge a new generation to embrace faith through action and joy, reminding us holiness is not a relic but a living invitation.