A relic connected to the Catholic Church’s newest saint, Carlo Acutis, was stolen from a Venezuelan parish just two days after his historic canonization.

NBC News reported that the third-degree relic, which was a small cloth fragment encased in glass, disappeared from the Santo Domingo de Guzmán parish in Mérida state and is now the focus of a police investigation.

Authorities in Venezuela confirmed that the item—described as circular in shape and of deep spiritual significance to the faithful—was reported missing on September 9, 2025. The parish, located in the Cardenal Quintero municipality in western Venezuela, had received the relic shortly after Acutis was formally made a saint.

Relic’s Disappearance Follows Major Religious Event

The timing of the theft has drawn attention, as it occurred just two days after Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis on September 7 during a massive open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square. An estimated 80,000 people attended the ceremony in Rome to celebrate the Church’s first millennial saint.

Carlo Acutis, who used technology to evangelize his Catholic faith before dying from leukemia at age 15 in 2006, gained international acclaim for his digital catalog of Church-recognized Eucharistic miracles. His unique use of media earned him the nickname “God’s Influencer.”

In 2018, the Vatican declared Acutis “venerable,” acknowledging his virtuous life. He was beatified in 2020 following the Church's recognition of a miraculous healing in Brazil attributed to his intercession, clearing the way for his canonization.

Youth Group Custodianship and Role in Request

The stolen relic had been entrusted to the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group, an organization that had petitioned the Church to receive it back when Acutis was named blessed. Such relics are commonly distributed among churches worldwide after a canonization as a way to honor the new saint locally.

The relic, considered third-degree because it came in contact with the saint rather than being part of his remains, had been housed in a transparent glass reliquary, displayed publicly for veneration.

Adrián García, the coordinator of the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group, spoke about the disappearance. “So far, there’s no information; it’s still missing,” he said. “We have faith in God that it will appear. It has great spiritual value.”

Police Now Involved as Search Expands

The local authorities have launched a formal investigation into the theft but have not released any details about potential suspects or motives. No arrests have been made as of yet.

The Catholic Church has faced similar issues in the past involving the improper selling or distribution of relics. Church officials have strongly opposed any attempt to commercialize holy objects, particularly those linked to Carlo Acutis, who became a symbol of modern devotion and youth involvement in the faith.

In earlier years, the Vatican had already condemned online sales of Acutis relics, underscoring the importance of protecting religious artifacts from misuse. The current theft adds renewed urgency to that concern.

Acutis Widely Revered by Catholic Youth

Born in London on May 3, 1991, and later raised in Milan, Carlo Acutis is admired for integrating faith with everyday digital life. He documented Church-approved miracles online in multiple languages, aiming to spread awareness among younger generations.

His story gained international traction among Catholic youth movements, particularly in Latin America, where many see him as a relatable model of holiness in the digital age. The arrival of his relic in Venezuela marked an emotional milestone for the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group and local parishioners.

The theft has since left members of the community disheartened, but it remains a rallying point for renewed interest in the saint’s message and legacy.

Spiritual and Cultural Impact Still Strong

Though materially small, the relic represents a significant spiritual connection for many believers. In Catholic tradition, relics serve as tangible links to saints and are often used in public devotions and private prayer.

The disappearance has stirred news outlets and parish communities throughout Mérida, with many offering prayers for its return. Church leaders have continued to stress the item’s sacred worth rather than its material value.

For now, efforts focus on recovering the relic safely while upholding the dignity of what it stands for. As investigations continue, the faithful remain hopeful that the item will be restored to the parish soon.