By Devin Watkins

Blessed Carlo Acutis was beatified in the Italian town of Assisi on Saturday during Mass celebrated by Cardinal Agostino Vallini.

Pope Francis recalled the 15-year-old Italian teenager as “a young man in love with the Eucharist.”

“He did not rest in comfortable immobility,” said the Pope. “He grasped the needs of his time, because he saw the face of Christ in the weakest.”

Blessed Carlo Acutis’ example, he added, shows young people that “true happiness is found in putting God in the first place and serving Him in our brothers and sisters.”

Children praying for peace

Pope Francis also looked ahead to an initiative promoted by the Pontifical Foundation “Aid to the Church in Need”.

The Catholic aid organization, which seeks to assist persecuted Christians, is hosting an event on Sunday, 18 October, called “One million children praying the Rosary”.

“I encourage this beautiful initiative which involves children throughout the world, who will pray especially for difficult situation caused by the pandemic.”