From playing video games to becoming a Catholic saint - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Carlo Acutis: The first millennial saint, known for his devotion to faith, interest in technology and gaming, and charitable work.
• Canonization: The process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person a saint.
• Millennial Saint: A saint who belongs to the millennial generation (born roughly between 1981 and 1996).
• Miracles: Supernatural events attributed to divine intervention, a key requirement for sainthood.
• Relics: Objects associated with saints, such as hair or clothing, which are often venerated.
• Dicastery for the Causes of Saints: A department within the Vatican responsible for evaluating candidates for sainthood.
• Martyr: A person who dies for their faith.
• Jubilee Year: A special year of remission of sins and universal pardon, celebrated by the Catholic Church every 25 years.
• God's Influencer: A nickname given to Carlo Acutis for his use of technology to spread Catholicism.
• Pope Crave: A social media presence that uses memes and pop culture to engage with Catholic themes.

Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint

Carlo Acutis, who passed away at the age of 15 in 2006 from leukemia, has been declared the first millennial saint by the Catholic Church. His popularity has surged since his death, with an estimated one million people visiting his preserved body in Assisi, Italy. Followers find him relatable due to his love for video games like Super Mario and his preference for wearing jeans, aspects that distinguish him from traditional saintly figures. Acutis is credited with performing miracles and creating a website to spread Catholicism, earning him the moniker "God's Influencer."

The Process of Becoming a Saint

The Catholic Church's process for canonization is rigorous and has evolved over centuries. It involves collecting extensive testimony and evidence about a candidate's life, character, and actions. This evidence is presented to the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, a department comprising cardinals and a medical board.

Key changes in the canonization process:

• Reduced Waiting Period: Prior to 1983, there was a mandatory 50-year waiting period after a person's death before their cause could be presented to the Vatican. This has now been reduced to five years, contributing to the emergence of younger saints and millennial saints.

Requirements for Sainthood:

1. Heroic Virtue: Demonstrating exceptional Christian virtues throughout one's life.
2. Miracles: The Catholic Church requires proof of at least two miracles attributed to the candidate's intercession. These are typically defined as sudden, unexplained acts of healing from serious illnesses.

Types of Sainthood:

• Martyrdom: Individuals who die in defense of their faith or are persecuted and killed because of their beliefs can be declared saints. Examples include the Holy Innocents, babies killed by King Herod.
• Confessors: Individuals who lived virtuous lives and demonstrated heroic virtue.

Miracles Attributed to Carlo Acutis

Two miracles are attributed to Carlo Acutis:

1. Healing of a Brazilian Boy: In 2019, a three-year-old boy in Brazil, suffering from a severe pancreatic disease that prevented him from digesting solid food, was miraculously healed after his family prayed to Carlo Acutis and kissed a relic of his clothing that had been brought to Brazil. The boy was subsequently able to eat a full meal.
2. Second Miracle (Implied): The transcript mentions "two miracles that Carlo is believed to have performed," implying a second, though not detailed, instance of miraculous healing.

Public Reaction and Memorabilia

Carlo Acutis's canonization has generated significant enthusiasm among Catholics. The demand for memorabilia related to him has surged, leading to the Catholic Church collaborating with Italian police to curb the online sale of purported relics. Locks of his hair have been reportedly sold for around $2,000. This widespread interest highlights his appeal as a relatable figure in the modern world.

The Catholic Church's Strategic Shift

The appointment of a millennial saint like Carlo Acutis is seen by some as a strategic move by the Catholic Church to connect with younger generations and adapt to a changing world.

Reasons for this shift:

• Relevance to Youth: Carlo's embrace of technology, gaming, and coding makes him a relatable figure for young people. His nickname "God's Influencer" reflects the Church's recognition of his digital impact.
• Technological Integration: The Church is exploring ways to integrate with modern technology and pop culture. Examples include the use of social media platforms like "Pope Crave," which utilizes memes and pop culture references to engage with Catholic themes, and events like live-streamed drone shows.
• Jubilee Year Coincidence: Some believe the timing of his canonization coincides with a significant Jubilee Year for the Catholic Church, a period of spiritual renewal.
• Connecting with a Recognizable World: As noted by "Pope Crave," people are drawn to saints who lived in a world they can recognize, one that involves internet browsers, memes, and contemporary cultural elements.

Young Catholics' Perspectives

Young Catholics express that Carlo Acutis demonstrates how sainthood can be simple and achievable, making him an essential figure for the Church. They are increasingly using social media to discuss their faith, share opinions on Church changes, and communicate directly with the Vatican. This trend underscores the importance of technology in how faith is shared and experienced today.

Conclusion

Carlo Acutis's canonization as the first millennial saint signifies a notable development within the Catholic Church. His life, marked by a blend of deep faith and modern interests, along with the rigorous process of canonization involving miracles and heroic virtue, highlights the Church's efforts to remain relevant and connect with younger generations in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The surge in his popularity and the demand for memorabilia underscore his impact as a relatable and inspiring figure for contemporary Catholics.