The canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old Italian boy dubbed “God’s influencer,” has ignited a wave of youthful evangelization across the world, with young Catholics turning to social media to share their faith in his spirit.
Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006, became the Catholic Church’s first saint from the millennial generation last Sunday.
Known for his tech skills, he built websites cataloging Eucharistic miracles and used his digital talents to spread the Gospel.
Today, he is seen as a bridge between faith and technology, inspiring young people to evangelize in ways that resonate with their peers.
Pope Leo XIV, in the canonization Mass on September 7, 2025, praised both Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, saying they “created ‘masterpieces’ out of their lives by dedicating them to God” and invited especially young people not to squander their lives but to direct them upward and make them masterpieces.
For many young Catholics, Acutis’ story is deeply personal. “Many young Catholics, me included, spend countless hours online,” said 11-year-old Gianna Grace, a Thai girl who recently visited Acutis’ tomb in Assisi. “Like Carlo, I use my phone to share the Good News and inspire others to grow in holiness.”
Gianna has quickly gained recognition in Thailand for her innovative evangelization. Her video series, Grace’s Chit Chat, hosted on the Thai Catholic Hub, connects Catholics through short, lively clips described as “full of joy, knowledge, and inspiration.”
Her latest video shared her pilgrimage to Assisi, where she joined celebrations marking the Holy Year’s Jubilee for digital missionaries.
“With Grace’s Chit Chat, she connects with people of all ages in our Catholic community,” said her father, George Varakorn Techamontrikul.
Her mother, Prim Thearrat, added, “We know many people don’t have the time to study long religious texts. These short, clear, and engaging videos make faith more accessible.”
In her program, Gianna interviews priests, educators, and other Catholic figures in Thailand. “I feel overwhelmed that the Church is starting to open its heart and listen to young people,” she said. “This is a good sign. If we all walk together, we can make a huge difference.”
Carlo Acutis himself embodied that vision. Frequently pictured in jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers, he appeared every bit a modern teenager.
Yet behind his casual look was a deep interior spirituality and a passion for sharing his faith. Friends remembered him not only as a skilled coder but also as someone who lived with joyful simplicity, generosity, and love of God.
His canonization marks a new chapter for the Church, which has long sought ways to connect with younger generations.
Increasingly, Catholic leaders recognize the potential of social media influencers to speak the language of Generation Z, counter perceptions of the Church as outdated, and create spaces of dialogue and community.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints explained that Acutis was not canonized as a theologian but as a witness that “even today young Christians can live the Gospel faith in a consistent and all-encompassing way.”
As Gianna continues her online ministry in Thailand, her story reflects a growing global movement of Catholic youth inspired by Acutis’ legacy. Both the Italian saint and the Thai schoolgirl show how faith and technology—once seen as worlds apart—can come together to shape the Church’s future.
