Tag: Vatican City

International

Pope Leo XIV to Canonise Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Vatican City | August 27, 2025: The Catholic Church is preparing to welcome two modern heroes of faith into sainthood. Blessed Carlos Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be officially canonised by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony on September 7, 2025 at the Vatican.

The announcement was originally made by Pope Francis, but the canonisation ceremony was postponed due to his passing. Now, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising these holy young men for their exceptional lives of virtue and service.

Carlos Acutis (1991–2006)
 Often called the “Saint of the Internet,” Carlos Acutis was a teenage tech genius who used his skills to create a comprehensive website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Despite his young age, Carlos lived a life of profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and frequently said,

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

He died of leukemia at the age of 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
 Known as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” Pier Giorgio Frassati was a charismatic, athletic, and deeply spiritual youth who dedicated his life to social justice, charity, and helping the poor. A member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, he lived his faith not in a monastery but among the people — often using his own resources to feed the hungry and care for the sick.

He passed away at the age of 24, after contracting polio, likely from one of the poor people he was serving.

Their canonisation is especially significant in today’s age. It sends a powerful message: Holiness isn’t just for the cloistered — it’s possible in everyday life, through technology, activism, education, and service.

Their lives speak directly to the youth of the 21st century, making sainthood relatable, attainable, and real.

📍 Canonisation Date & Details

  • Event: Canonisation of Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
  • Date: September 7, 2025
  • Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
  • Presiding Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV
  • Expected Attendance: Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world

The Vatican is preparing for an event of great spiritual significance and international interest.

#faith

Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass as Pontiff, Calls Election a Cross and a Blessing

allycaralgoa

Vatican City | June 2025 — In a historic and deeply symbolic ceremony, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, celebrated his first Mass as pope inside the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just a day after his surprise election by the College of Cardinals.

Chicago-born Robert Prevost, an Augustinian missionary, was elected the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis. His election marks a new era for the Church, not just due to his nationality, but also for the pastoral and inclusive tone he set from the very first homily. He chose the name Leo XIV, invoking a tradition of leadership and strength, while also reflecting humility and continuity with Pope Francis’ mission of justice and mercy.

A Message of Mission and Humility

Speaking off-the-cuff in English, Pope Leo XIV told the assembled cardinals that their choice was “both a cross to bear and a blessing.” He emphasized that his role as pope was a shared mission, calling upon the global Church to joyfully spread the Gospel even in a world that often mocks or misunderstands the Christian message.

“You have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission,” he said. “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me—as we continue as a Church, as a community, as friends of Jesus—to announce the Good News.”

His words struck a chord with many, especially as he acknowledged the rising tide of secularism and practical atheism, even within baptized Christian communities.

Continuing Pope Francis’ Legacy

During his homily, delivered in near-fluent Italian, Pope Leo XIV built on themes championed by his predecessor, warning against reducing Jesus to a “superman or charismatic leader.” He lamented a world increasingly obsessed with money, power, and individualism, where faith is trivialized or disregarded.

“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, and violations of human dignity,” he said.

In a powerful gesture, two women were invited to read the Scripture readings, signaling the new pontiff’s likely intention to uphold Pope Francis’ reforms on enhancing women’s roles in the Church. As a cardinal, Leo XIV had already made waves by appointing women to key Vatican decision-making bodies.

A New Tone for the Papacy

Clad in traditional papal white but donning simple black shoes—forgoing the symbolic red loafers favored by some of his predecessors—Pope Leo XIV offered a visual continuation of Pope Francis’ commitment to simplicity and humility.

The Mass concluded with warm applause from the cardinals present—an unusual but telling moment of unity and hope.

Following tradition, the Vatican confirmed that all Vatican officials—whose roles are technically vacated upon the death of a pope—had been asked by Leo XIV to remain in office temporarily, as he takes time for “reflection, prayer, and dialogue” before making formal appointments.

Installation and First Public Address

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed at a special Mass on May 18, with his first general audience scheduled for May 21. The events are expected to draw global attention, not only for their ceremonial importance but also for what they may reveal about the tone and direction of his pontificate.

As the Church turns a new page, early signs suggest Pope Leo XIV intends to blend continuity with compassion, and reform with reverence—all while navigating the expectations and challenges that come with being the first American to occupy the Chair of St. Peter.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Master Piece by Michaelangelo – The Our Lady of Piety Statue

allycaralgoa

Hello My Allys,

It is Friday, the best time of the week! I am all excited as the weekend is around the Corner and Well, here I am all set to bring before you a memory of my previous trip to Rome. This  trip was indeed a very special one as it was my first ever trip to Europe!

The best part about travelling is that the entire experience turns you from a traveler to a storyteller. And the reason why I started the blog was I had so much to share about travel, social media and self care. Initially, have only started with travel, will soon grow this blog into social media and self care post too. So Stay Tuned! I have a lot to share.

This week, I thought of featuring, one of Michaelangelo’s finest piece of art – the Our lady of Piety statue which is situated in the beautiful St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. The finest sculpture referred to as Pieta is one of a kind statue designed of it’s time. This indeed launched Michaelangelo’s career making him successful and famous than the work he did previously.

The Our Lady of Piety Statue at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

Taking a closer look at the history, as to why this statue was sculpted. Well, it was way back in 1497 when a cardinal Jean de Billheres commissioned Michaelangelo to create a sculpture that would be placed in the side of the chapel in Rome, which later went on to become world famous and shifted to the St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. When Michaelangelo was assigned to create this sculpture, he was given instructions to create “the most beautiful work of marble in Rome, one that no living artist could better.”

Well keeping in mind that, he went on to create this marble sculpture of – Pieta, well it has several wow factors attached to it.

The sculpture of Pieta as it is  fondly referred to as, depicts the tragic moment of the Virgin Mary holding her son in her arms after Jesus was brought down from the cross. And considering the fact that we are already in the Lent Season, I thought this would be one fine post to share insights about this beautiful sculpture!

Initially the Sculpture was housed at the chapel of Santa Petronilla which was later shifted to the place where it is housed now, towards the right as one enters the St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

If one takes a closer look at the sculpture, the statue shows Mary filled with Piety holding her son on her lap, post the Crucifixion. The Crucifixion is signified considering the marks of nails indicating wounds on Jesus’s hands.

Even though his sculpture came under several criticism, some to name where that the sculpture showed Mary Younger in age something around 33 while she was round 50 years of age at that time. Michaelangelo gracefully accepted them all. And today, everyone regards him as world famous for his this piece of art.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The sculpture took less than two year to complete.
  • The marble used to carve this sculpture was Carrara marble, one of the favorite of the sculptors back then in the ancient Rome.
  • This is the only artwork of his which he had ever signed.

Tip of the Day

I know this tip of the day would be off the track , but it is very important for us to understand and learn from this. The message is to always listen to criticism gracefully and at the same time let your work speak for yourself.

On that note, here it my time to say Good Bye only from this post! I hope to see you shortly with my next feature post. Do like, comment, share about this post to your Friends and Family Gratitude Always!

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