CNN: World Europe Auctioning off millennial saint-to-be’s relics is Satan’s work, archbishop says By Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/05/europe/auctioning-off-millennial-saint-relics-is-satans-work-archbishop-intl/index.html?Date=20250406&Profile=CNN&utm_content=1743906601&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawJex61leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHoH1vQmN4IYx1nbi3FbkjGCsSUhBH1VUv4_fmDBckqmaMAVZudv6O3aiIOmZ_aem_8hQ3g0FlTvMtKsP3wm_qEA minute read Published 9:36 AM EDT, Sat April 5, 2025

World Subscribe World Europe Auctioning off millennial saint-to-be’s relics is Satan’s work, archbishop says By Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN 2 minute read Published 9:36 AM EDT, Sat April 5, 2025 Pilgrims line up to pay their respects at the tomb of the Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy, in March. Pilgrims line up to pay their respects at the tomb of the Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy, in March. Franco Origlia/Getty Images CNN — Millennials will soon have their first video-gamer saint when Carlo Acutis is canonized later this month, but auctioning off relics purported to be tied to “God’s influencer” online is a no-go, according to an Italian archbishop. The statement comes after an anonymous vendor tried to sell strands of Acutis’ hair online. Bids reached $2,200 before the lot was removed after Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino – who leads the diocese of Assisi where Acutis’ body is being kept and where the supposed relics were being auctioned off – called the police. A tapestry featuring a portrait of Carlo Acutis is hang at the St. Francis Basilica during the beatification ceremony of Carlo Acutis, on October 10, 2020 in Assisi, Italy. The fifteen-year-old Carlo Acutis member of the Millennial generation who died on 12 October 2006 from M3 fulminant leukemia, is considered a "computer geek" on account of his passion and skill with computers and the internet. Acutis applied himself to creating a website dedicated to cataloguing each reported Eucharistic miracle in the world. Related article Video-gaming teenager to become first Catholic millennial saint as pope and cardinals approve canonization Relics, from strands of hair to bone fragments, have long been important devotional items for the Catholic faithful, and the Church encourages praying in front of relics of saints and saints-to-be, but canon law prohibits their sale, according to Sorrentino. They can be given away by their owner or by bishops, while significant relics, such as hearts and organs, cannot be given away without permission from the Vatican. But this can never be for financial compensation, Sorrentino said in a video posted on the diocese website. “After we verified the auction on the internet, we decided to file a complaint. What can the idol of money lead to… I fear that Satan has a hand in it,” he said. Sorrentino filed a complaint with the police in Perugia, which is investigating the sale of the purported relics. “We have asked for their seizure,” Sorrentino said on the diocese website. “We do not know whether the relics are real or false, but even if it were all invented, if there was deception, we would be in the presence of not only a scam, but also an insult to religious sentiment.” “The business of relics trading is prevalent, Sorrentino added. “On the internet there is a market of relics that concern various saints, such as our Francis (of Assisi), with a price list. Something (that is) impossible to accept,” he said. Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, is widely recognized as a model of Christian life for young believers and who Sorrentino said will be a sort of “patron saint of the internet” once he is canonized. That ceremony will take place in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 27. CNN’s Christopher Lamb contributed reporting. Up next Google just shared the most-searched gifts of 2024. Here’s what’s worth buying this holiday season 2 minute read We found 35 thoughtful retirement gifts for the soon-to-be retiree 1 minute read Rare, near-life-sized statues discovered in Pompeii tomb 4 minute read I’m an outdoors editor who shops too much. Here are the 28 best gifts from REI 2 minute read Most read Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs aren’t quite what they seem. Here’s the real story ‘Hands Off!’ protesters across US rally against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk Doug Emhoff publicly criticizes his law firm for coming to agreement with Trump administration Video showing final moments of Gaza emergency workers casts doubt on Israeli account of killings Marine Le Pen verdict fuels debate that Europe’s ‘rule of law’ is throttling the ‘will of the people’ Elon Musk hopes for ‘zero-tariff situation’ between US and EU Canada warns travelers of US border agents’ authority to search electronic devices How The Covenant School shooter planned the deadly attack for years while manipulating parents and therapists Inside Trump’s defiant response to the markets’ tariff meltdown White House advisers have kept Laura Loomer at bay for months. Then, Trump invited her in Paid Content Recommendations The Name Your Price® tool Progressive Insurance Try our handy online tool today and we’ll help get you options that fit your budget. Get Quote Walmart Has Announced That They Are Replacing Self-Checkout Machines with Something Better Walmart Has Announced That They Are Replacing Self-Checkout Machines with Something Better TipHero 'Fished in Chernobyl?' Bizarre Sea Creature Shared by Fisherman Goes Viral 'Fished in Chernobyl?' Bizarre Sea Creature Shared by Fisherman Goes Viral JPost Popular Singer Passed Away, He Was 83 Popular Singer Passed Away, He Was 83 TipHero Simple game, endless fun Water Sort Puzzle Classic, old but not simple at all Let's play 5 Companies That Send People Money When They're Asked Nicely 5 Companies That Send People Money When They're Asked Nicely thepennyhoarder.com Learn More Search CNN... Subscribe Sign in Live TV Listen Watch US World Politics Business Markets Health Entertainment Tech Style Travel Sports Science Climate Weather Ukraine-Russia War Israel-Hamas War Watch Listen CNN Underscored Games About CNN World Follow CNN Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Ad Choices Accessibility & CC About Subscribe Newsletters Transcripts Help Center © 2025 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved. CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.