New Sculpture of Blessed Carlo Acutis Installed in Assisi Weeks Before Canonisation

Assisi, August 26, 2025: Just weeks before his canonisation, a striking new bronze sculpture of Blessed Carlo Acutis, dubbed “the saint of the millennials,” was installed in a church garden near his final resting place in Assisi, Italy. The sculpture stands out for its innovative design, portraying Acutis kneeling in prayer with a laptop in his hands, symbolising his digital evangelism and deep Eucharistic devotion.

The sculpture, titled 'St. Carlo at the Cross' , is the work of Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, known for pieces such as Homeless Jesus and Angels Unawares, according to a press release. Installed at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, within the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the piece portrays Acutis kneeling prayerfully before the crucified Christ.

The statue reflects Acutis’ deep Eucharistic devotion and digital evangelism. In his hands rests a laptop bearing the image of a chalice and paten — symbols of his famed cataloguing of Eucharistic miracles online. A sling hanging from his backpack evokes the biblical David: a youthful warrior facing the Goliath of secularism, armed not with stones but with digital tools and faith.

The blessing ceremony, held on the Solemnity of the Assumption, included a Rosary led by Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of the dioceses of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino and Foligno and Father Marco Gaballo, rector of the sanctuary. The bishop urged everyone “to pray and to welcome with joy the great miracle of faith and devotion” and invited the faithful to spiritually prepare for Acutis’ upcoming canonisation on 7 September in Rome.

Schmalz, who gifted the sculpture to the city, said his hope is to contribute not only to the Church’s artistic heritage but also to its spiritual formation. “As we add new figures to the army of Catholic saints,” he said, “we also add new works of art; both enrich our heritage and deepen our understanding of the faith.”

Courtesy: Catholic Vote

Image credit: OSV News & Assisi Diocese