Carlo Acutis: The Teen Who Put Faith Online

Carlo Acutis died at 15 but left a simple, clear example: use the tools you know to serve others. He loved computers and photography, and he built an online index of Eucharistic miracles that still draws visitors today. People call him a modern example for young Catholics who want to live their faith in the digital age.

Born in 1991 and dying in 2006 from leukemia, Carlo kept two habits: daily Mass and coding. Those two things might seem worlds apart, but Carlo used the web to catalogue stories about the Eucharist so people everywhere could learn. A healing attributed to his intercession led to his beatification in 2020, and his story shows how small skills can have wide reach.

What he did that matters

Carlo made a website that collected photos, dates, and short accounts of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He organised material plainly so non-experts could read it. That matters because he turned a private devotion into a public resource without flashy marketing—just steady work and clear purpose. His approach is practical: find something you care about, learn the basics needed to share it, and keep the focus on service, not likes.

How you can follow his example

Want to mix faith and tech like Carlo? Start small. Build a one-page site about a parish project, a local saint, or a charity near you. Learn basic HTML and a little CSS—free tutorials and short courses will get you there in a few evenings. Use simple photography and clear captions; people respond to real stories and honest images, not filters.

Use social media to amplify service, not just selfies. Share volunteer needs, fundraiser details, or short testimonies from people helped by your project. Keep privacy and consent in mind: ask permission before posting faces or personal stories. If you prefer coding, automating a sign-up form or a newsletter can make a small group run much smoother.

If you can, visit places linked to Carlo. His tomb and relics are visited by many who find his story encouraging. Read an official biography or the Vatican summary to get facts right before sharing. When you present his story, focus on practical lessons—daily prayer, steady work, and using your skills to help others.

Carlo’s message is simple: tools are neutral. It’s how you use them that counts. Whether you build a website, run a food drive, or teach someone to use a phone, aim for clarity, respect, and service. That’s a way to turn a small skill into a real difference.