Holy in a Hoodie: Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Call to Be Saints Today

In a time when holiness often feels distant, Blessed Carlo Acutis reminds us that sanctity is not a thing of the past—it is something young people can live out today, even in sneakers and with a laptop.

Carlo was born in 1991 in London but grew up in Milan. He was like many young people—he loved soccer, video games, and had a sweet tooth. Yet behind this ordinary life was an extraordinary soul. From a young age, Carlo had a deep love for the Holy Eucharist, calling it “my highway to heaven.” He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and spent time in adoration, all while being a regular student, friend, and technophile.

What made Carlo especially unique was how he used technology not for distraction, but for evangelization. At age 11, he started building a website that documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He believed the internet could be used as a tool for good—a modern-day pulpit to reach people who might never open a Bible or step inside a church. He was careful in his media use and this discipline extended into his day-to-day life. “Continuously ask your guardian angel for help. Your guardian angel has to become your best friend.” These words of Blessed Carlo show us how powerful the guidance of our guardian angels is.

Carlo was declared Blessed in 2020, and during his beatification, many were amazed by his age—he died at only 15 from leukemia. He offered his suffering for the Pope and for the Church. His short life proved that holiness does not require old age or a perfect past. It only requires a heart that chooses God every day.

To the youth, Carlo offers something powerful: a real-life example. He shows that sainthood is not just for mystics or priests—it is for students, gamers, and digital natives, too. He reminded the world that you can use Instagram and still follow Christ. You can build a website and still build God’s Kingdom.

Carlo once said, “All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.” He believed every person had a unique mission from God, and he wanted to live life to the fullest. He didn’t waste time. He knew life was a gift, and he used every moment to bring others closer to God.

As we celebrate his canonization week, we are invited to reflect: how are we using the tools in our hands—our phones, our time, our talents—to serve something greater than ourselves? Are we becoming who God created us to be?

Blessed Carlo’s life gives us a challenge and a promise: you don’t have to wait to be holy, with God’s grace, we can start now. We can be young, online, and on-fire for God.

Connected to Christ, we can be light in the digital world. (Hannah Sulit)