- 20 October, 2025
About This Fact Check
September 9, 2025: With the canonisation of Saint Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025, many myths and claims about his life, body, and relics have been circulating online. It is important to separate facts from fiction about this remarkable teenager. Recognised as the first millennial saint, Carlo continues to inspire countless people through his deep faith and devotion to the Eucharist.
🔍 CLAIM #1: St. Carlo Acutis' Body Is Incorrupt
"Some online claims suggest that Carlo Acutis' body was found completely incorruptible years after his death."
❌ VERDICT: FALSE
The Truth: Carlo's body was exhumed in January 2019, thirteen years after his passing, and was not incorrupt. To allow the faithful to venerate him respectfully, silicone reconstructions were applied to his face and hands. While his body was "integral" — meaning all organs were present — it did not meet the Catholic standard of incorruptibility, which refers to miraculous preservation without human intervention.
Misunderstandings about the reconstruction likely fuelled the rumours, but the Church has clarified that St. Carlo's sanctity is not tied to the condition of his body. His holiness comes from his life, faith, and devotion.
🔍 CLAIM #2: Carlo Acutis' Heart Is a Relic
"A widely circulated claim is that Carlo's heart has been preserved as a relic."
✅ VERDICT: TRUE
The Facts: A section of his pericardium — the membrane surrounding the heart — has been preserved and is recognised by the Church as a first-class relic. This relic has been displayed in Assisi for public veneration and will also be brought to Rome for his canonisation Mass.
Carlo's preserved heart serves as a tangible symbol of his love for Christ and his devotion to the Eucharist. It allows the faithful to connect with his life in a meaningful way, reflecting the Church's careful tradition of honouring saints' relics.
🔍 CLAIM #3: Carlo Acutis' Relics Are Being Sold Online
"There have been reports claiming that Carlo's hair and other items are being sold online for thousands of euros."
⚠️ VERDICT: PARTIALLY TRUE
The Reality: While unauthorised online sales have occurred, the Church has condemned them. Relics are sacred, and any attempt to commercialise them is strictly prohibited. Only relics officially sanctioned by the Church, such as Carlo's heart, are legitimate.
Faithful believers are encouraged to avoid purchasing relics online and to venerate items that are properly approved by Church authorities. Misleading posts often blur the line between authentic relics and illegal, commercialised items, which can confuse the faithful.
🔍 CLAIM #4: He Inspired a Hindu to Embrace Catholicism
"Carlo's influence led to religious conversion of those around him."
✅ VERDICT: TRUE
Verified: Carlo's profound devotion and example inspired a Hindu au pair, Rajesh Mohur, to convert to Catholicism. Impressed by the saint's love for the Eucharist and care for others, Rajesh learned to pray the Rosary under St. Carlo's guidance and later embraced the Catholic faith, attributing his conversion to Carlo's witness.
Rajesh has since spoken publicly about Carlo's influence on his spiritual journey, highlighting how the teenager's daily practices of prayer and acts of charity left a lasting impression on those around him.
🔍 CLAIM #5: His Canonisation Was Foretold in a Dream
"Prophetic dreams predicted Carlo's path to sainthood."
✅ VERDICT: TRUE
Documented Account: Carlo's mother, Antonia Salzano, shared that she had a dream in which Carlo appeared to her and expressed that he would one day be canonised. This vision came before the Vatican officially approved his canonisation, adding a remarkable spiritual dimension to his journey to sainthood.
Antonia has mentioned that this dream strengthened her family's faith and conviction that Carlo's holiness would be recognised by the wider Church.
📋 Summary
2 Claims Verified as TRUE
1 Claim Found FALSE
1 Claim PARTIALLY TRUE
Sources: Official Church documents, Vatican statements, and verified testimonies
Last updated: September 2025
Always verify claims with official Church sources
This fact-check aims to provide accurate information about St. Carlo Acutis and combat misinformation circulating online. Share responsibly.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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