Carlo Acutis was a typical teen with an extraordinary heart. Born in London and raised in Milan, he had a deep love for soccer, computers, and his golden retriever. But above all, Carlo was drawn to God in a way that astonished everyone around him. By the age of seven, he was attending daily Mass. By his early teens, he had taught himself coding and created an online exhibition of Eucharistic miracles that would spread around the world. When leukemia claimed his life at fifteen, those who knew him began to speak of his holiness—and miracles followed. In this warm and accessible biography, historian Michael Collins tells the remarkable story of the first millennial to be declared "Blessed" by the Catholic Church. With sensitivity and clarity, Collins traces Carlo's early years, his surprising spiritual wisdom, and his enduring influence in the digital age. A story of faith, compassion, and grace, God's Influencer is an inspiring portrait of a modern teenager who found joy in serving others and saw the internet as a tool for sharing God's love. Fr. Michael Collins is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin and an accomplished author and historian. He has written and coauthored numerous works on literature, the Bible, church history, the papacy, travel, art, and has penned eight biographies. His publications have been translated into 15 languages, reflecting his broad international appeal. †
