Carlo Acutis Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage Guide To Saint Carlo Acutis

Plan a prayerful journey to Assisi to meet Saint Carlo Acutis, walk in the footsteps of St Francis, and rediscover the Eucharist as your own highway to heaven.

Assisi, ItalySanctuary of the Spogliazione & Franciscan sitesPilgrimage for the digital generation

Why Make A Pilgrimage To Carlo?

A pilgrimage to Assisi in the footsteps of Saint Carlo Acutis has become one of the most meaningful spiritual journeys of our time. For young people, families, priests, catechists, and digital natives, Assisi is now a place where the medieval sanctity of St Francis meets the modern witness of a boy who lived holiness through computers, charity, and the Eucharist.

This guide will help you plan both the practical and spiritual side of your visit: what to see, how to pray, how to prepare, and how to make sure your journey is more than tourism, a real encounter with Christ through Carlo.

Three Core Reasons To Go

A saint of our time

Carlo is the first millennial saint. He loved football, video games, and coding, and shows that holiness is possible in an ordinary teenager's life.

Rediscover the Eucharist

Carlo called the Eucharist his "highway to heaven". His tomb and story gently draw pilgrims back to the heart of the Church: Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Walk with Francis

Carlo rests in the same place where St Francis stripped himself of everything. Their lives now speak together: two young men pointing us toward simplicity, joy, and trust in God.

Key Places Connected With Carlo In Assisi

1. Sanctuary Of The Spogliazione (Carlo's Tomb)

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza del Vescovado, right aisle

This is the heart of the pilgrimage. Since 6 April 2019, Carlo's mortal remains have rested here in a pink Assisi stone sarcophagus designed by Eraldo Marini. Behind the tomb, stone panels based on drawings by Mario Cossu depict scenes from Carlo's life: his family, his friendships, his love for the poor, his passion for computers, and his devotion to the Eucharist.

Through the glass, pilgrims see Carlo lying in the casual clothes he wore in life: jeans, trainers, and a jacket. A radiant Eucharistic symbol with the letters IHS shines above his body, communicating the message at the centre of his life, that Jesus in the Eucharist is our true highway to heaven.

2. Basilica Of St Francis

While centred on Carlo, any pilgrimage to Assisi is incomplete without time at the tomb of St Francis. Carlo often visited Assisi, and his spirituality is steeped in Franciscan themes: simplicity, joy, care for the poor, and a Christ-centred life. Pray in the crypt at Francis's tomb, then bring what you receive there to Carlo's tomb at the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione.

3. Basilica Of St Clare And The San Damiano Cross

In the Basilica of St Clare, you can pray before the original San Damiano Cross, which spoke to Francis the words "Go, rebuild my Church." Many pilgrims see a strong link with Carlo, who used technology to help rebuild faith in the digital age, especially through his exhibition on Eucharistic miracles.

4. Assisi: The Wider Pilgrimage Landscape

Assisi itself is part of the pilgrimage: the stone streets, the views over the Umbrian valley, the quiet corners and chapels. Carlo loved nature and saw creation as a reflection of God's beauty, very much in line with Francis. Simply walking slowly, praying the Rosary as you go, can be one of the most powerful parts of your time here.

Suggested 2-3 Day Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival And First Encounter With Carlo

  • Arrive in Assisi and settle into your accommodation.
  • Visit the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione and spend quiet time at Carlo's tomb.
  • Pray Carlo's official prayer for canonisation and entrust your pilgrimage intentions to him.
  • Evening: join Mass if possible, then a simple walk through Assisi, praying a decade of the Rosary in thanksgiving.

Day 2, In The Footsteps Of Francis And Clare

  • Morning visit to the Basilica of St Francis, praying at his tomb.
  • Walk to the Basilica of St Clare and the San Damiano Cross.
  • Afternoon: return to Carlo's tomb to "link" the lives of Francis and Carlo in prayer.
  • Group reflection (if travelling with others): What does "Not I, but God" mean in my own life?

Day 3, Personal Prayer And Sending Out

  • Early morning visit to Carlo's tomb for a final time of silent adoration and personal prayer.
  • If possible, attend Mass and offer it for the intentions you brought on pilgrimage.
  • Before leaving Assisi, take a few minutes to write down what you sense God is asking you to change or deepen in your daily life.

Spiritual Preparation Before You Go

A pilgrimage begins long before you step onto a plane or train. Here are simple ways to prepare your heart:

  • • Read about Carlo: if possible, read a short biography or a reliable online summary of his life and quotes.
  • • Return to the sacraments: go to confession and try to attend Mass more frequently in the weeks leading up to your trip.
  • • Choose an intention: decide what you want to entrust to Carlo, a person, a situation, a vocational question, or your own relationship with technology and faith.
  • • Pray his official prayer: start praying the official prayer for Carlo's canonisation daily before you travel.

Travelling To Assisi

Assisi is located in the Umbria region of central Italy and is well connected by train and road.

By air

The nearest airport is Perugia (San Francesco d'Assisi), with larger international options in Rome and Florence. From there you can continue by train or coach.

By train

Trains run to Assisi / Santa Maria degli Angeli from major Italian cities. From the station, local buses or taxis take you up to the historic hilltop town.

By road

Coaches and private minibuses are a good option for parish or youth groups. Parking is generally outside the historic centre, with pedestrian access into the town.

Always check current timetables and local guidance when planning your journey, as routes and schedules can change.

Visiting With Young People

Carlo is especially powerful for children, teenagers, and young adults because he feels close to their own world. A few ideas if you are bringing a youth group:

  • • Invite each young person to bring one digital habit they would like Carlo's help to change (e.g. social media, gaming, phone use at night).
  • • At Carlo's tomb, read one or two of his famous quotes, such as "Everyone is born as an original, but many die as photocopies."
  • • Suggest that each person writes a short letter to Carlo, leaving it in their journal or prayer book rather than at the tomb.
  • • After returning home, have a follow-up evening to share what stayed with them and what they are trying to live differently.

Simple Prayers To Use At Carlo's Tomb

• Prayer of entrustment: "Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Saint Carlo, help me to love you in the Eucharist, to serve the poor, and to use every gift, even technology, for your glory."

• For a specific intention: "Saint Carlo, you offered your life for the Church and the Pope. I entrust to you today [name / intention]. Pray for me that I may trust God as you did."

• For young people: "Saint Carlo, friend of the young, pray for our children and teenagers. Guard them from harm online, guide their choices, and lead them to discover that Jesus is their true friend and joy."