The theatrical release of Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality will continue as scheduled even though the Italian teen’s canonization has been delayed indefinitely, the studio announced on Wednesday, April 23.
The film, which was produced by Castletown Media, Wahl St. Productions, the National Eucharistic Revival, the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Fathom Entertainment, is a documentary looking at the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
The movie follows a group of teens as they make a phone-free pilgrimage to Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, Italy.
Acutis was set to be canonized on April 27, 2025, the first “millennial” canonized saint. His canonization, along with other scheduled beatifications, was delayed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
“Although the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed, the film about his life has not been postponed,” said Most. Rev. Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston and Chair of the National Eucharistic Congress in a press release.
The decision to move forward with the theatrical release was made “following consultation with bishops, benefactors, and partners of the film,” said the press release.
“Pope Francis was inspired by Carlo Acutis and wanted to make him a saint. He will be a saint! My hope is that when you come to see this film, you’ll want to be a saint too,” said Cozzens.
The film’s premiere, scheduled for April 21, in Washington, was scaled back in response to the death of Pope Francis.
Seeing the movie in theatres is “a great way to honor Pope Francis by honoring someone he loved,” said Bishop David Toups of Beaumont, Texas, in the press release.
Acutis was born May 3, 1991, in London, but spent most of his life in Italy. He made a website dedicated to tracking Eucharistic miracles, and had a deep faith throughout his short life. Acutis died at the age of 15 following a brief battle with cancer.
Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality is in theaters nationwide, April 27 - May 1. Tickets can be purchased at CarloAcutisFilm.com/Tickets or FathomEntertainment.com.
