Vatican Announces Canonization of First Gamer Saint Who Died From Leukemia

The Vatican shared its preparation for the canonization of the first-ever gamer and millennial saint of the Catholic Church.

Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who died from leukemia in 2006, and 14 other Blesseds have been approved for canonization by Pope Francis.

Italian Teenager to Become First-Ever Gamer Saint

Acutis was born in 1991 in London but was raised in Milan. His family raised him in the Catholic faith and he used to serve as a volunteer for homeless individuals, at the church, and cleaning his neighborhood.

During his lifetime, Acutis enjoy playing video games like Halo and Pokemon. As a child, he would dedicate an hour of playtime to prevent gaming addiction, according to his mother.

Acutis made use of his tech knowledge by developing a website dedicated to Catholic miracles. He established an international virtual exhibition and encouraged parishes to contribute by sharing details about miracles.

Acutis, 14 Other Blesseds to Receive Canonization Soon

Acutis was registered for canonization in 2012, six years after his death. In 2018 he was decreed as "Venerable" and was declared "Blessed" in 2020 after the Catholic Church attributed a miracle to him.

According to reports, Acutis is often popular with younger Catholics. A Brazillian boy with a severe birth defect claimed to have prayed for Acutis' intercession while a Costa Rican girl was allegedly healed after her mother prayed at Acutis' tomb.

Acutis' canonization will take place 12 years after his cause was opened. The canonization of the Catholic Church can take decades or even hundreds of years posthumously.

All the names of the new Saints will be included in the List of Saints on October 20.