Pope Francis announces Canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati for 2025

On Wednesday, November 20, during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis made a historic announcement coinciding with World Children’s Day: the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

These two young Catholics, celebrated for their vibrant faith and commitment to holiness, will officially be declared saints during major Jubilee events in 2025.

Timelines for Canonization ceremonies

According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the canonization of Carlo Acutis will take place during the Church’s Jubilee of Teenagers, scheduled from April 25–27, 2025.

The canonization Mass is set for Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.

Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization will follow later in the year, during the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 to August 3, 2025.

Both events are expected to draw thousands of pilgrims to Rome, uniting young Catholics worldwide in the spirit of the Church’s Jubilee of Hope.

Carlo Acutis: A Saint for the digital age

Born in 1991 in Italy, Carlo Acutis has become a beacon of faith for the millennial generation.

Known for his love of technology and devotion to the Eucharist, he was beatified in 2020, just 14 years after his untimely death from leukemia at the age of 15.

From an early age, Carlo displayed a profound spirituality. After receiving his First Communion at age seven, he made a resolution to stay close to Jesus, attending daily Mass whenever possible.

He famously described the Eucharist as his “highway to heaven,” a devotion that became a hallmark of his faith and inspired countless others.

Carlo combined his spiritual zeal with a passion for technology, creating a groundbreaking online exhibition on Eucharistic miracles.

This initiative has since reached thousands of parishes worldwide, helping people rediscover the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

His spiritual director often recalled how Carlo viewed these miracles as a way to help people encounter God.

Before his death, Carlo offered his suffering for the Church and the Pope, expressing a heartfelt wish to go “straight to heaven” without passing through purgatory. His tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Schools, youth ministries, and initiatives bear his name, continuing his legacy of faith.

Pope Francis has frequently encouraged young people to look to Carlo Acutis as an example of prioritizing the Eucharist and living a Christ-centered life in today’s digital world.

Pier Giorgio Frassati: A mountaineer of faith and service

Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in Turin in 1901, exemplified a life of service, adventure, and profound spirituality. Known for his passion for mountaineering and his dedication to the poor, Frassati was a third-order Dominican who lived his faith with quiet intensity and joy.

At just 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society, dedicating himself to aiding the homeless, the sick, and war veterans.

His selfless work extended to Catholic Action and the Apostleship of Prayer, and he was granted permission to receive daily Communion—a rare privilege at the time.

Pier Giorgio’s adventurous spirit often led him to the mountains, where he found both physical challenge and spiritual inspiration. On a photograph of one of his final climbs, he wrote the phrase “Verso l’Alto” (“To the Heights”), a motto that symbolized his striving for spiritual and eternal glory.

His life of service ended tragically at the age of 24 when he succumbed to polio, likely contracted while caring for the sick.

Pope John Paul II, who beatified him in 1990, called Pier Giorgio a “man of the eight beatitudes,” describing his life as a testament to holiness and God-centered service.

Frassati’s canonization, anticipated in 2025, awaits confirmation of a second miracle attributed to his intercession.

A Transformative moment for Young Catholics

The canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati will be transformative milestones for the Church, particularly for its youth. Both saints exemplify how vibrant, Christ-centered lives can inspire holiness in today’s world.

Their stories are expected to resonate with young people, encouraging them to pursue faith, service, and devotion in their daily lives.

The Jubilee celebrations of 2025 promise to be moments of unity, hope, and renewed commitment, as young Catholics gather in Rome to honor these modern-day saints and renew their commitment to living out their faith.