Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati in 2025
My heart was filled with great joy to learn that Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as saints next year!
This news ushers in great celebration for the Universal Church and especially for young Catholics. Blessed Carlo will be the first saint from the Millennial Generation and Blessed Pier Giorgio is a model of Missionary Discipleship for young adults leading busy lives while searching for true fulfillment.
Blessed Carlo, who died in 2016 at age 15, is an inspiration for children and adolescents through his passion for using technology to evangelize and share his devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist. Blessed Pier Giorgio, who died in 1925 at age 24, is a model for young adults through his dedication to serving the poor in urban areas while balancing university studies, social activism, and daily prayer.
Both of these saintly young men reflect the call for today’s youth and young adults to live out their Catholic faith with courage, compassion, and divine love. Blessed Carlo, in particular, holds a special place in the heart of our local Church. We were blessed to host his mother, Antonia Salvano Acutis last fall when she spoke about her son’s love and devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist at our Eucharistic Congress. Her reflections filled us with wonder and awe. They still resonate as we strive to follow in the footsteps of her son.
I pray that the inspiration flowing from Blessed Carlo and Blessed Pier Giorgio will fuel the zealous hearts of our young people to serve others with Christ as their model. All Catholics should rejoice, as I do, in the canonization of saints for our time and for those who will inherit the Church on earth.
Blessed Carlo and Blessed Pier Giorgio pray for us!
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
# # #
Editor’s Note: Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized on April 27 during the Jubilee for Adolescents in Rome April 25 to 27, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati during the Jubilee of Young People in Rome July 28 to August 3.
Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)