Icon of Saint Carlo Acutis Created by AI Blessed

In Novolukoml, Belarus, retired Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz blessed an icon created with artificial intelligence.

The image depicts Saint Carlo Acutis, known as the cyber-apostle and patron saint of the internet. The Italian teenager compiled an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles and became the first millennial saint in 2025.

The work was done by a prompt engineer, designer, and photographer. The 140 by 290 cm canvas is styled like a painting.

The image contains the following symbols:

• saint with a laptop as a symbol of preaching via the internet
• golden sun on the chest and rosary beads in hand
• spiral staircase turning into a highway to Heaven

The icon is installed in the side altar of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene and serves as a curtain for the image of Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of the parish.

The creation of the icon has sparked debate among believers. Many argue that a generated image cannot be called an icon, and praying before it is not allowed.