VATICAN CITY – Exciting Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed that the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will take place on September 7, 2025, during the Vatican’s Jubilee Year of Hope. This historic event will draw pilgrims from across the globe to St. Peter’s Square and marks a powerful moment for young Catholics seeking modern role models of faith.

Who Are the New Saints?

The First Millennial Saint: Blessed Carlo Acutis

Blessed Carlo Acutis, born in 1991, will become the first millennial saint in Catholic history. Known as the “Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist,” Acutis created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world before dying of leukemia at just 15 years old. His deep devotion to the Eucharist, daily Mass attendance, and use of digital media for evangelization have made him a spiritual role model for the digital age.

Carlo’s beatification took place in Assisi in 2020, and his story has since sparked a worldwide movement of Eucharistic revival among youth and families. His canonization will officially recognize him as a Saint of the Church, and he is expected to be named the patron of the digital apostolate.

Pier Giorgio Frassati: Man of the Beatitudes

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in 1901 in Turin, Italy, is beloved for his active faith, devotion to the poor, and passion for mountain climbing. Known for his motto, “Verso l’alto” (“to the heights”), Frassati lived a vibrant life of service, prayer, and political activism rooted in Catholic social teaching. He died of polio at just 24 years old, and his funeral was filled with the poor he had quietly served throughout his life.

Often called the “man of the Beatitudes,” Pier Giorgio has long been a favorite among Catholic youth and young adults. His canonization by Pope Leo XIV will affirm his role as a model of lay holiness in the modern world.

A Historic Moment: Canonizations Under Pope Leo XIV

The announcement marks one of the first major acts of Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-Peruvian pope and the 266th successor of Saint Peter. His pontificate has already been marked by a clear pastoral emphasis on evangelization, youth, and holiness rooted in everyday life.

The September 7 canonization Mass will take place in St. Peter’s Square during the Vatican’s Jubilee Year of Hope, drawing pilgrims from around the world. Originally planned by Pope Francis, the canonizations were delayed due to his death earlier this year. 

What Do These Canonizations Mean for Catholics Today?

The dual canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati send a clear message: holiness is possible today—at any age, in any vocation, and especially for the young. In an era of digital noise and cultural confusion, the Church is lifting two young laymen who lived with clarity, purpose, and deep faith in Jesus Christ.

For Catholic educators, youth ministers, parents, and parishes, this moment presents a renewed opportunity to introduce young people to these powerful witnesses and invite them into a deeper relationship with the Church and the Eucharist.

Why This Event Matters: Saints for the Digital and Social Age

As we prepare for the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, the Church is not just honoring the past—it’s declaring boldly that sainthood is for now. These men didn’t wear collars or habits. They didn’t live in monasteries or seclude themselves from the world. They lived in the heart of the modern world—and gave everything for Christ.

These canonizations under Pope Leo XIV will be a spiritual high point of 2025 and a prophetic sign of what the Church is calling young people to be: courageous, joyful, and holy.

How to Participate and Learn More!

• The canonization Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, on September 7, 2025.
• Pilgrimage Opportunities: Parishes and Catholic organizations worldwide are organizing pilgrimages and special events to mark the occasion.
• Stay Updated: Follow official Vatican news and Catholic media for live coverage, resources, and ways to celebrate locally.

Image Credit: PierGeorgioFrassati.Net