The story of Carlo Acutis, the young millennial blessed, is one of deep faith, Eucharistic love, and a heart for evangelization. While he lived in the 21st century, his spirituality was deeply rooted in the tradition of the Church, and one saint, in particular, left a profound impact on his life—St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Francis of Assisi, the great saint of poverty, humility, and radical love for Christ, lived in the 13th century. Carlo, though born in 1991, shared a strikingly similar spirit—one of simplicity, joy, and a passionate love for Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. He also showed a unique detachment from material things.
Carlo himself said:
“The more Eucharist we receive, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven.”
This echoes St. Francis’ profound reverence for the Eucharist, as seen in his writings:
“Let everyone be struck with fear, the whole world tremble, and the heavens exult when Christ, the Son of the living God, is present on the altar in the hands of a priest!”
For both St. Francis and Carlo, the Eucharist was not just a symbol but the living presence of Jesus, the source and summit of their faith.
St. Francis embraced a life of poverty and detachment, renouncing his family wealth to follow Christ. While Carlo did not take a vow of poverty, he lived simply, despite being from a wealthy family.
• He avoided materialism, preferring to spend his time helping others rather than indulging in luxury.
• He used his computer skills to spread the faith, rather than for personal gain.
• Like St. Francis, he saw the beauty of creation as a reflection of God’s love, often admiring nature as a gift from the Creator.
Both Carlo and St. Francis remind us that true joy is not found in possessions but in Christ.
One of the greatest connections between Carlo and St. Francis is their devotion to the Eucharist.
St. Francis was known for his deep reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, instructing his friars to always adore Jesus in the Eucharist with great devotion.
Carlo Acutis followed in these footsteps by:
• Attending daily Mass
• Spending hours in Eucharistic Adoration
• Creating a website cataloguing Eucharistic Miracles around the world
He believed that just as St. Francis saw the Eucharist as the greatest treasure of the Church, so too should modern Catholics rediscover its power.
St. Francis famously embraced lepers and the poor, seeing Christ in the suffering. Carlo, though a teenager, had this same heart of service:
• He helped the homeless, often bringing them food
• He stood up for bullied classmates, showing kindness to the rejected
• He donated his own savings to charities and those in need
His humility reflected Francis’ words:
“What a person is before God, that he is and nothing more.”
Carlo lived this truth, seeking not fame but holiness, not self-promotion but service to others.
Just as St. Francis rebuilt the Church, not physically but spiritually, Carlo used his talents to renew faith in the digital age.
• While Francis preached in the streets, Carlo preached online, using the internet to spread devotion to the Eucharist.
• Francis’ mission was to “Go and repair my Church”—Carlo’s mission was to bring modern souls back to Jesus through technology.
His work echoes Francis’ vision:
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Carlo did not just speak about Jesus—he lived Jesus in his actions.
Conclusion: A 21st-Century Franciscan Soul
Carlo Acutis may not have worn the Franciscan habit, but his life, virtues, and mission were deeply Franciscan at heart.
Like St. Francis:
• He embraced simplicity
• He loved the Eucharist above all
• He served the poor and marginalized
• He evangelized creatively
In many ways, Carlo brought St. Francis’ spirit into the digital age, reminding us that holiness is possible here and now, even in modern times.
As we reflect on Carlo’s life, we are challenged to ask ourselves:
• Are we making the Eucharist the centre of our lives?
• Are we using our gifts and talents to spread the Gospel?
• Are we choosing simplicity over materialism?
• Are we serving the poor and rejected with Franciscan humility?
Carlo Acutis and St. Francis of Assisi both show us that true joy comes not from the world, but from living fully for Christ.
May their example inspire us to seek not success, but sanctity.
Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!