Pope Leo XIV Announces Joint Canonization of Acutis and Frassati

On September 7, 2025, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized together in a historic ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV. This announcement was made during the first Ordinary Public Consistory of the Pope's pontificate, held on June 13, 2025, where Cardinals formally approved the canonizations of eight Blesseds, including Acutis and Frassati.

The decision to canonize these two young saints, separated by a century, captures the attention of the Catholic community due to their remarkable lives and the deep devotion they inspire. Carlo Acutis, known for his digital evangelization efforts, was beatified on October 10, 2020, while Pier Giorgio Frassati, an early 20th-century figure known for his commitment to social justice and youth engagement, has been revered for decades.

Pope Leo's announcement follows a previous declaration by Pope Francis during a General Audience on November 20, 2024, which elicited enthusiastic applause from the faithful present in St. Peter's Square. Initially, Acutis's canonization was set for April 27, 2025, to coincide with the Jubilee of Teenagers, while Frassati's was scheduled for August 3, 2025, marking the Jubilee for Youth. However, the postponement and subsequent uncertainty regarding the timing of their canonizations were resolved with the recent announcement, emphasizing the significance of the two saints being canonized on the same day.

The canonization of Acutis and Frassati illustrates the Church's recognition of the contributions of young people to the faith, as both saints exemplified a profound love for Christ and actively engaged with their communities. Acutis, who famously created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, represents the modern face of faith in the digital age. In contrast, Frassati, a layman and advocate for the poor, serves as a model of Catholic action and social responsibility.

During the same consistory, Pope Leo XIV also announced the canonization of seven other Blesseds, including Armenian Catholic Archbishop Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, who was martyred during the Armenian Genocide, and Peter To Rot, a lay catechist martyred for his faith under Japanese occupation in Papua New Guinea. The inclusion of these figures reflects the Church's commitment to recognizing diverse paths of holiness across different contexts and eras.

As the canonization date approaches, the anticipation among the faithful continues to grow, highlighting the enduring legacy of Acutis and Frassati. Their lives serve as a reminder of the power of faith to inspire action and compassion in a world in need. The upcoming canonization ceremony is expected to draw thousands of pilgrims to the Vatican, eager to celebrate the lives and legacies of these young saints.