Just over a month ago, on September 7^th, 2025, two new saints were canonized: St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Their canonizations were originally planned to be earlier in the year and on separate dates, however the unexpected death of Pope Francis caused them to be pushed back and merged. Saints Carlo and Pier Giorgio are the first saints to be canonized by Pope Leo XIV, as well as the most recent saints to be added to the Church’s canon.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born on April 6^th, 1901, to wealthy but nonreligious parents. From a young age, he became dedicated to serving the poor in his community, regularly giving his money and possessions away to help them. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and loved mountain climbing. He later contracted polio and died at the age of 24 in 1925. At his funeral, hundreds of the poor individuals whom he served came to pay their respects, surprising even his parents who had no knowledge of his service to them.

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3^rd, 1991, to a family that was nominally Catholic. Carlo had deep devotions to Mary and the Eucharist. His faith inspired his parents to return to Mass and the Church. Carlo enjoyed playing video games as well as computer programming, but he made a special effort to avoid getting distracted or wasting time, prioritizing using his skills for the glory of God. During his lifetime, Carlo created a website that documented Eucharist miracles (miraculous occasions where the Eucharist changed its appearance to match that of its substance: the body of blood of Christ). After his death, the website was also turned into a travelling, physical display. Carlo died of leukemia at the age of 15, in 2006, which would mean he would be in his mid-thirties if he were still alive today.

Both Carlo and Pier Giorgio went to Mass and received Communion nearly every day, and both worked to bring their family and friends closer to Christ. They both lived in modern Italy and died at young ages after suffering greatly. They are models of holiness for all of us, showing that even in today’s world, sainthood is achievable.

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s feast day is July 4^th, and St. Carlo Acutis’s feast day is October 12^th.

Sources:

https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/12-amazing-facts-about-the-life-of-saint-pier-giorgio-frassati-6357

https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/eucharist-and-charity-traits-unite-pope-leos-first-saints

https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-blessed-carlo-acutis-3825

https://www.osvnews.com/photos-the-canonization-mass-of-saints-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati/

https://www.churchpop.com/banners-unveiled-at-st-peters-basilica-for-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-canonizations/