As a scholar of medieval liturgy and culture, I know that there has been a long history of including children among the saints approved for official recognition and veneration.

Acutis’s beatification is a beacon to all those who live their lives, for better or for worse, increasingly online.

In his exhortation on young people, “Christus Vivit” (“Christ Lives”), Pope Francis said Acutis was a role model for young people today who are often tempted by the traps of “self-absorption, isolation and empty pleasure.”

Popularly known as Mother Cabrini, the saint is revered for her devotion to children, immigrants and the destitute.

Never presume that you are one of the early hires and that Jesus offers his parable only to curb your jealousy of late arrivals. No, we all come so late in the day.

The family members pointed out that the "final Hawaiian choice for Damien in 1965 was very thorough, with the widest possible popular support."