Birth and Family in London and Milan
Carlo Acutis was born in London on 3 May 1991 to Italian parents Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, who were working in the city. He was baptized on 18 May 1991 in the Church of Our Lady of Dolours. In September 1991 the family returned to Milan, where Carlo grew up in a stable household and spent family holidays in Assisi.
Early Schooling and First Sacraments
He attended primary school first at Istituto San Carlo and then at Istituto Tommaseo. On 16 June 1998 he received First Communion at the Romite Monastery in Bernaga di Perego with special permission granted because of his evident spiritual maturity. On 24 May 2003 he received Confirmation at Santa Maria Segreta in Milan.
High School Years and Digital Apostolate
At the Jesuit Liceo classico Istituto Leone XIII he created parish and school websites, promoted volunteer projects, and taught catechism to children preparing for Confirmation. In 2005–2006 he also designed sites for the Pontifical Academy Cultorum Martyrum and coordinated national volunteer campaigns while maintaining strong academic performance.
Spiritual Formation in the School of St Francis
Frequent visits to Assisi deepened his Franciscan spirituality. He learned to respect creation, practiced charity toward the poor and homeless, and gave away portions of his weekly allowance. His affable manner and readiness to help classmates with computers made him a natural center of friendship.
Eucharistic Devotion and Marian Piety
The Eucharist formed the center of his life. He attended daily Mass when possible, made spiritual communions on school days, recited the Rosary daily, and consecrated himself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He offered small sacrifices in the spirit of the Fatima children and compiled an international exhibition of 136 Eucharistic miracles that has since traveled worldwide.
Illness, Offering, and Death
In October 2006 he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He offered his life for the Pope and the Church, accepted his suffering with serenity, and received the Anointing of the Sick. He died in Monza hospital on 12 October 2006 at the age of fifteen.
Burial and Lasting Witness
His body was first buried in Ternengo and transferred to Assisi cemetery in February 2007 in keeping with his desire to remain near Saint Francis. On 5–6 April 2019 his remains were moved to the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione. His coherent witness of ordinary holiness, Eucharistic devotion, and digital apostolate continues to draw young people to the Gospel.
May Carlo Acutis intercede for us, and may we imitate today the holiness this Life has shown.
