January 1, Pope Set to Make Two Modern Saints in Rome

Wyatt’s Take

• Rome is packed with pilgrims for the Jubilee year.
• Pope Leo XIV is honoring two modern role models as saints.
• Millions are headed to the Vatican as faith remains strong.

Millions are heading to Rome for the Jubilee, as the Holy Year brings worshipers from around the world. This weekend, Pope Leo XIV will lead a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, where Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, both modern Catholics, will be named saints.

Fr. Charlie Gallagher, pastor from Washington, D.C., traveled to witness the event. “The atmosphere here is already one of expectant joy, even electric,” he shared from Rome. The Vatican expects over 32 million visitors this year, drawing groups large and small to the city. Gallagher noted, “I know there are dozens [of people] from D.C. here [and] there is a small group of about six from my parish.” He expects a crowd of over 250,000 on Sunday.

For Gallagher, the event is personal because he has a deep connection to Pier Giorgio Frassati. “I took Pier Giorgio Frassati as my patron. When I decided to become a priest, I started corresponding with Giorgio’s niece, Wanda,” he said. He has known Wanda for two decades and met her while a seminarian in Rome. Gallagher recalls asking Wanda about her uncle’s impact on her life.

Frassati, once called the ‘Man of the Beatitudes’ by Pope John Paul II, inspired many with his joyful spirit. “Frassati was a volcano of joy and spontaneity,” Gallagher said. “With every corner of his heart, he models the most effective way to win our friends to Jesus Christ.” Carlo Acutis, the other new saint, was known for his computer skills and strong faith. Gallagher shared that Acutis even failed a test once but said spreading faith was more important than grades.

Pope Francis was passionate about Acutis’s sainthood, believing young people need role models in the digital age. Pope Leo XIV now continues this mission, raising up examples like Acutis and Frassati in a modern world facing new challenges.

The Jubilee year has brought a surge of hope and faith, with the Vatican filled with energy as people reunite through shared belief.

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Wyatt Matters

This moment shows how faith keeps communities strong, no matter the times or challenges. Folks from every walk of life still look for hope and meaning, just like families here in the heartland.