Reveal of a new statue for Blessed Carlo Acutis, a step prior to his canonization, in Assisi
In the heart of Assisi, home to St. Francis, a new statue has been unveiled, honouring another extraordinary figure from the city's history - Blessed Carlo Acutis. The statue, titled "St. Carlo at the Cross," was created by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz and stands 11 feet tall.
The statue depicts Blessed Acutis kneeling beside Christ crucified, with a laptop in his hand, symbolising the teen's modern-day saintliness and his deep connection with technology. The design is a nod to the traditional representation of St. Francis with Jesus, with Blessed Acutis kneeling at the foot of the cross.
Schmalz aimed to show the intensity and devotion of Blessed Acutis in the statue, similar to St. Francis of Assisi. The modern elements in the statue, such as jeans, a sweatshirt, and a backpack, were intentionally included to emphasise that Blessed Carlo Acutis is a contemporary saint.
The sculptor used the David and Goliath story to symbolise Blessed Acutis using modern-day technology to counteract the trivialization of spirituality and Christianity by mainstream media. A sling hanging from the side of the teen's backpack serves as a reference to David and Goliath. Blessed Acutis' head is leaning on the cross, and his hand is wrapped around it, merging him as a part of the cross, according to the artist.
The statue was unveiled Aug. 15 outside the Shrine of the Renunciation at the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi. Schmalz believes that Blessed Carlo Acutis is here to encourage and act as a role model for young people.
Pope Francis approved the installation of a second statue by Schmalz, titled "Be Welcoming," near the Vatican's showers and medical clinic for people in need. Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7.
Blessed Acutis, who expressed a desire to be buried in Assisi, is now laid to rest in the city he loved. The statue was created to celebrate his life and work, which included putting his knowledge of computers to create an online database of eucharistic miracles before his death at age 15 from leukemia in 2006.
Schmalz, who is known for several works displayed outside St. Peter's Square, including "Angels Unawares," believes that Blessed Acutis would appreciate the elements in the sculpture that reference St. Francis, whom he was deeply fond of. The second statue was initially set to be unveiled in Rome in April but was postponed due to Pope Francis' death and shipped to its permanent home in Assisi.
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