Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis delayed by Vatican following Pope Francis's death

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican has postponed the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, initially set for April 27.

In an announcement made on April 21, the Vatican press office stated: "Following the death of the Supreme Pontiff Francis, notice is hereby given that the Eucharistic celebration and the rite of the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, scheduled for April 27, 2025, second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Adolescents, is suspended."

Matteo Bruni, head of the press office, clarified to reporters that the Mass for the Jubilee of Adolescents will proceed as planned, while the canonization Mass is the event being canceled. The Holy Year 2025 and its related events, organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization's section for new evangelization, will continue.

The Dicastery expressed its sorrow for Pope Francis's death, stating, "We join in prayer" for his passing "in unity with all of God’s people and the whole world." It noted that while the Jubilee of Adolescents program remains nearly unchanged, the canonization will not occur as planned on April 27, and a "musical celebration" at Rome's Circus Maximus on April 26 has been canceled due to the mourning period.

Pope Francis had approved the canonization decree for Blessed Acutis on May 23, 2024, announcing the date in November of that year. Blessed Carlo Acutis will be recognized as the first millennial saint.