Carlo Acutis had a deep love for the saints and considered them his role models in life. He believed that holiness was accessible to everyone, not just priests and religious, and that the saints provided a roadmap to heaven. Some of his favourite saints included:

1. St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
         •       Carlo admired St. Francis’ radical love for Christ, simplicity, and devotion to the Eucharist.
         •       He visited Assisi frequently and deeply identified with Francis’ spirit of poverty and humility. His parents decision to buy a holiday home in Assisi was to facilitate Carlo’s desire to visit frequently. He requested to be buried in Assisi and now reposes in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Assisi.
           •       Like St. Francis, Carlo saw God’s presence in creation and had a heart for the poor.
2. St. Dominic Savio (1842-1857)
         •       Another young saint, Dominic Savio, was known for his motto: “Death rather than sin.”
         •       Carlo, like Dominic, was determined to live a pure and holy life, avoiding sin at all costs.
           •       Both had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and received First Communion at a young age.
3. St. Tarcisius (3rd century)
         •       St. Tarcisius was a young Roman martyr who died protecting the Eucharist from being desecrated.
         •       Carlo, being deeply devoted to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, found great inspiration in St. Tarcisius’ courage and love for Christ.
4. St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)
         •       Carlo loved Our Lady of Lourdes and admired St. Bernadette’s humility and obedience.
         •       He often visited Marian shrines and had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, just as St. Bernadette did.
5. St. Jacinta and St. Francisco Marto (1910-1920, 1908-1919)
         •       These two young visionaries of Fatima inspired Carlo with their deep love for the Eucharist and prayer.
         •       Carlo followed their example of praying daily for the conversion of sinners.
           •       He also had a special devotion to Our Lady of Fatima and her message.
6. St. Padre Pio (1887-1968)
         •       Carlo admired Padre Pio’s love for the Eucharist, suffering, and confession.
         •       He made confession a regular habit, just as Padre Pio recommended.
           •       Carlo also valued the power of intercession, just as St. Padre Pio did with his spiritual children.
7. St. John Paul II (1920-2005)
         •       Carlo greatly admired Pope John Paul II’s love for the youth, the Eucharist, and Our Lady.
         •       He believed, like John Paul II, that the internet could be a tool for evangelization.
           •       He followed John Paul II’s teachings on the dignity of life, chastity, and the importance of the Eucharist.

These saints helped shape Carlo’s spiritual life, and he encouraged others to follow their examples. He often said:

“The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”

And just like these saints, Carlo lived his brief life with a passion for holiness, a deep love for Jesus, and a heart that burned for others to know Him.