As 80,000 excited pilgrims assembled in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square on Sunday for the canonization ceremony of new saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, the vast majority of Catholics around the world watched the canonization in front of TV screens and laptop computers — the blessed event was broadcast on EWTN and can be watched here — far from the Eternal City. Some people held “watch parties” with friends, but most watched at home with family or by themselves.

Here are a few reactions from people watching this canonization from New York and Chile:

Kristy Schade, mother of three in Larchmont, New York

I watched from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. on EWTN, then I went to bed. I love how these two young men, born a century apart, are being celebrated together. Being saints and being humble, I can’t help but think they’d prefer it this way: the limelight shared. I was struck by how both were from wealthy families and surrounded by those of little faith. Yet it was at their funerals that the veil was lifted, and their loved ones could finally see the tremendous good these two young men had done in their short lives. They show us, in their own special way, to reach up to the heights for Christ; that we can be saints too.

Joseph Cook, father of three in Larchmont, New York

I did watch the EWTN replays of the homily and the first part of the Mass. I thought the ceremony was very fitting and appreciated the translations of the homily. The stories of their lives were not new to me, as I read them before. It was interesting to see the family at the Mass in the coverage. … In my life, I suppose that I have enjoyed having [Carlo and Pier Giorgio] as an example of living the faith from our time.

Carmen Vella, Larchmont, New York

I woke up at 7:30 a.m. and started watching the ceremony. I was amazed by the number of people in St. Peter’s Square. Before the Mass, they interviewed many young people, 16 to 18 years old. They were saying that they could identify with someone like them — these two [Carlo and Pier Giorgio] were students who were into sports and had friends.

I grew up in Italy, but I never knew a lot about Pier Giorgio Frassati — incredibly — until I came to live in the U.S. Even though he died 100 years ago, he really is contemporary: the way he was a witness, his sensitivity to social issues, helping the poor, even his choice of being a mining engineer with the idea of helping others in their working conditions. He was from a wealthy family and could have been indifferent to the poor, but instead he helped them quietly. He was in love with the daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration, while living a normal life.

Carlo, even as a young boy, had this evident spirituality and sensitivity to the divine. He had friends and did everything that other kids did, yet he was sensitive to the poor. He could have decided not to care. … He chose to be humble, with an eye on those who were weakest and those who were left aside.

It makes you see that even giving a small amount of time every day to the Mass and Eucharistic adoration — a time when you can disconnect and listen — bears so much fruit.

Debby Kruszewski, Mamaroneck, New York

I experienced the canonization on Sunday morning, watching the live broadcast from EWTN and Vatican News on YouTube. 

There was a particularly moving moment when the camera focused on Antonia, Saint Carlo’s mother. The expression in her eyes captured the wonder of a mother witnessing her son’s impact — a son who had brought us all to that sacred moment. It was a powerful reminder of the personal, intimate connection at the heart of this universal celebration.

The ceremony was a testament to the beauty of faith lived with authenticity. What struck me most was the quiet dignity of it all. Michele [the younger brother of Carlo], who delivered the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, was poised and reverent, representing a brother he never met but who was the same age when he passed. 

Antonia has often said that her twin children were a gift from Carlo, and seeing Michele stand there felt like witnessing another miracle from our new saint — a young man who, at just 15, left a legacy of faith that continues to unfold.

Saint Carlo Acutis has become a spiritual friend for me. My parish is blessed to hold one of his relics, and I have spent many moments in prayer, asking for his intercession, especially for this moment of his canonization. I’ve always felt his presence as a warm, vibrant, young heart, yearning for Jesus and wanting everyone to share in that same excitement. I’ve turned to him for help with everything from preparing a presentation to finding the right words to express my feelings — and even for a few mysterious computer problems. He has never let me down.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati was less familiar to me until recently, but I soon realized he had already sent me a profound blessing. As I was learning about his life, I was also facing a potential health scare. I needed minor surgery to remove a suspicious spot that could have been cancerous. In the midst of my anxiety, I heard a kind, calming voice say, “This is a good thing.” I knew Jesus was with me, but I also felt the presence of a saint I couldn’t yet name.

The surgery went well, but the true miracle was revealed at my follow-up appointment. My surgeon looked at me in astonishment and said, “I knew you were going to be okay, but I wasn’t expecting this. There was absolutely nothing to be found. You are completely cleared.” It wasn’t until I heard the testimony of Father Juan Gutierrez, who was miraculously healed from an Achilles injury through Pier Giorgio’s intercession, that I understood. I knew then that it was Saint Pier Giorgio who had guided me through my blessing of being healed.

Jorge Rojas, 78-year-old surgeon from Santiago, Chile, who has seven children and 28 grandchildren

I saw the complete canonization with my wife. It was impressive and of great spiritual benefit. I learned about the life of these two saints and about their brief and profound sayings, which will stay with me. I learned about Pier Giorgio Frassati today. I knew about Carlo from before his beatification. These two young saints are a blessing for the Church and an example for young people. I was very impressed with Pope Leo’s homily and to see the universality of our religion.

Maria Angelica Junemann, mother of seven, Santiago, Chile

I watched the canonization alone because I was on retreat. I found the canonization ceremony to be very moving! So many people! You could breathe the happiness. It was a piece of heaven! You can always learn when you see the faith of all those people. Those parents who with strength went forward recognizing the holiness of their son — how wonderful!

I knew about Carlo more; Pier Giorgio not so much. Carlo has impacted me so much! To see his simplicity, his closeness, his naturalness: a young person, like one of my own children, what an example of holiness! Holiness is possible!

Barbara Errazuriz, 48, Chilean mother of two children, who was in Rome for the canonization

I was able to come to the canonization with a friend. It was really exciting, very solemn but at the same time with a Pope who was very close to us. The most impressive thing is that Carlo is such a relevant saint, who lived in our same time. Carlo is the same age as my son. 

Maria Luisa Rojas, mother of eight children in Santiago, Chile

I am struck by the fact that both new saints are such young laypeople who have earned their place in heaven in such a short time. I want to learn from them: their love of Eucharistic adoration and prayer.

I find it impressive that Carlo’s parents and siblings were present, as well as the relatives of Pier Giorgio. I feel very close to Carlo because I have read several of his books, attended an exhibition on the Eucharistic miracles he created, visited his website, etc. Furthermore, my children find him very relatable.

I liked what the Pope said about the means by which they drew closer to God, being so easily accessible, within our reach (daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration and prayer). They also shared their quiet and simple ways of helping the poor and needy.

Carlo has taught me to value the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with his exhibit of the Eucharistic miracles.

I learned about Pier Giorgio a couple of weeks ago. I was impressed by the apostolic work he carried out despite his family’s opposition. [After Pier] died, [his father] and later converted [returned to the sacraments].

I found Pope Leo to be very close to me; I love him.

Magadalena Lamas, mother of 10 children in Santiago, Chile

I watched the ceremony with some of my children. It was very beautiful, solemn and relatable at the same time. I learned more about the lives of these saints. I think they are saints who bring us closer to the path to holiness. They are young, of our time, and very important for our children.

Magdalena Besa, mother of 10 children and grandmother to 13 children, in Santiago, Chile

I didn’t see the entire canonization, but I did see the most important parts. Due to time differences, it was difficult to see the canonization as a family (5 a.m. our time). I was impressed that Carlo’s parents and siblings were present at the canonization of a son and brother. I am just getting to know Pier Giorgio, and I find him fascinating. They both help me remember the joy of being close to God.

WATCH VIA EWTN