Carlo Acutis, a London-born computer prodigy who died in 2006, has become the first millennial Catholic saint. In a ceremony at St Peter’s Square hosted by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday (7 September), Acutis, who has been dubbed “God’s influencer”, was canonised in front of a sea of crowds, including his family. Acutis, who died aged 15 from leukaemia, set up a website to document reports of miracles and other elements of the Catholic faith online. He was canonised alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Catholic activist, who died a century ago. Both men created “masterpieces” out of their lives by devoting themselves to God, Pope Leo said.

Nicknamed God’s influencer, Carlo, who died at age 15, used technology to express his religious beliefs. The church sees him as a way to connect to the young.

Computer whiz Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 aged 15, will be raised to sainthood by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony in St Peter's Square