The Archdiocese of Seoul has received first-class relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a key milestone in its preparations for World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027.
The relics, comprising 16 pieces of Blessed Carlo’s hair, were officially handed over at a ceremony held in the archbishop’s office.
Father Will Conquer of the Paris Foreign Missions Society presented the relics to Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung. The relics were accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The ceremony was attended by Fr. Dominic Young-jin Jung, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Seoul; Fr. Matteo Kwang-hee Choi, Spokesperson for the Archdiocese; Fr. Peter Joo-yul Yang, Executive Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Seoul 2027; and six youth representatives.
Born in London in 1991 to Italian parents, Blessed Carlo Acutis is celebrated for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and his innovative use of the Internet to evangelize.
Known as “God’s Influencer,” he curated a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions.
Despite his untimely passing from acute leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, his legacy continues to inspire youth worldwide.
The relics’ arrival in Seoul holds significant meaning for the Catholic community. Plans are already underway for the relics to be distributed to dioceses across South Korea during the 2025 Jubilee, allowing Blessed Carlo’s spiritual legacy to reach even more faithful.
Blessed Carlo’s canonization was approved by Pope Francis and the Consistory of Cardinals in July 2024, and he is expected to be proclaimed a saint in 2025.
His life remains a model of modern faith, blending technological innovation with profound religious devotion.
In a press statement, the Archdiocese said the arrival of these first-class relics symbolically represents Blessed Carlo Acutis as the inaugural youth to visit Korea in spirit.
This, the statement added, reflects the archdiocese’s dedication to engaging young people in the upcoming celebration of faith.
The Archdiocese also announced plans to distribute the relics to each diocese during the 2025 Jubilee.
