Carlo Acutis, known as “God’s influencer” for using his tech skills to spread the Catholic faith, will be canonized at the Vatican on Sunday, September 7, becoming the first millennial saint.
Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15, had two miracles attributed to him: the healing of a Brazilian boy in 2020 and a college student in 2022 after a severe accident. Pope Leo XIV approved his sainthood last year following Pope Francis’ earlier recognition of the miracles.
While Acutis’ life was short and peaceful, many young saints met truly harrowing ends. The Church has a long history of canonizing children and teens, some of whom were martyrs, others who endured deep suffering.
In this gallery, you’ll discover the youngest saints in Catholic history, and the remarkable stories behind their sanctity. Click on to learn all about them.