Two Saints to be Cannonized on 7th September 2025
Two Modern Beacons of Faith: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
On September 7, 2025, the Catholic Church will witness a historic moment: the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young men whose lives—though separated by almost a century—continue to inspire countless people around the world.
The announcement was made by Pope Leo XIV on June 13, confirming that the two ceremonies, originally scheduled separately, would be united into one great celebration. Initially, Carlo Acutis’ canonization was expected in April, while Frassati’s was scheduled for August. However, the passing of Pope Francis delayed the process, ultimately leading to their joint canonization this September.
Carlo Acutis: “God’s Geek”
Born in 1991, Carlo Acutis grew up in Italy with a deep love for the Eucharist. At the age of 11, he began creating a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles from around the world, combining his faith with his gift for technology. Known by many as “God’s geek,” Carlo used modern tools not for fame or entertainment, but as a missionary platform.
He once said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” Carlo died of leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old, but his witness quickly spread worldwide. His beatification took place in 2020 in Assisi, where he is buried. For young Catholics, Carlo represents the possibility of sanctity in the digital age—proving that even technology can be a means of holiness.
Pier Giorgio Frassati: The Man of the Beatitudes
Nearly a century earlier, Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925) embodied a life of joyful holiness. A lover of mountain climbing, he often invited friends on hikes, where prayer, laughter, and deep conversations filled the air. Behind his adventurous spirit was a heart of service. He gave away his possessions to help the poor, visited the sick, and was actively engaged in social and political causes rooted in Catholic teaching.
Pier Giorgio contracted polio—most likely from his service among the sick—and died at only 24. He was beatified by St. John Paul II in 1990, who called him a “man of the Beatitudes,” highlighting his radiant joy and deep faith. For young adults, Frassati shows that holiness can be lived in friendships, sports, and service, not apart from the world but immersed within it.
The Call to Modern Holiness
On October 19, 2025, the Church will also recognize seven additional saints, making this year one of profound celebration in the communion of saints.
The joint canonization of Acutis and Frassati is especially symbolic. One harnessed technology to spread the Gospel; the other climbed mountains while lifting up the poor. Both remind us that holiness is not confined to a single path. Whether through coding, hiking, serving, or simply living with joy, sanctity is possible in every age and every lifestyle.
Their canonization is not just about remembering the past, but about shaping the present. It is a living invitation: to recognize that holiness is attainable today—in our families, our work, our friendships, and even our digital lives.
Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, soon-to-be saints, pray for us and for the youth of our time, that we may follow Christ with joy, courage, and love
