On Wednesday, November 20, Pope Francis revealed that he plans to canonize the young blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati next year.
“As I have already announced, on the next 27th of April, during the Jubilee of Adolescents, I will proclaim Blessed Carlo Acutis a Saint. Also, having been informed by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints that the process of study of the Cause of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is about to be successfully concluded, I plan to canonize him on the next 3rd of August, during the Jubilee of Young People, after having received an opinion from the Cardinals. A round of applause for the soon to be new saints.”
The two blesseds are particularly venerated among younger generations, who see in them an example of living an enthusiastic and authentic faith, and a large number of young people are expected to attend the canonization in Rome.
Carlo Acutis
He attended primary school in the facilities of the Sisters of St. Marcellina on Piazza Tommaseo in Milan. In 2005, he enrolled in the Leone XIII Classical High School, under the administration of the Society of Jesus.
He attended daily Mass and received the sacrament of Holy Communion, always spending some time in prayer and spiritual reflection before or after Mass in front of the tabernacle. Once a week, he went to confession. Inspired by the example of Our Lady of Fatima, he prayed the rosary daily. He was also involved in charitable work, providing financial aid to foreigners, beggars, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
He researched more than 136 documented Eucharistic miracles that occurred throughout the history of the Church in 17 different countries and created a virtual museum of these miracles. After his death, his exhibition on Eucharistic miracles traveled to all five continents.
In early October 2006, he was diagnosed with an aggressive (acute) form of leukemia, and he passed away on October 12 at 6:45 a.m. due to its complications.
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio Frassati was born on April 6, 1901, into a wealthy family who owned the Italian newspaper La Stampa, which is still in circulation. He dedicated himself to serving the poor and the sick while being an avid athlete and mountaineer. Known for his sociable personality and great sense of humor, he passed away on July 4, 1925, at the age of 24 due to polio.
Unexpectedly, a large crowd of impoverished individuals he had helped throughout his life attended his funeral, highlighting the profound impact Frassati had on his hometown of Turin.
