Father Dave welcomes film producer Jim Wahlberg to talk about the new movie “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality,” which is in theaters until May 1st. The movie’s theatrical release was scheduled to coincide with the canonization of Carlo Acutis, though that Mass is now postponed following the passing of Pope Francis.
Jim discusses the mixed emotions of still releasing the film now despite Acutis’ postponed canonization. “Everybody involved prayed on it. …We talked to the bishops involved, and everybody was on the same page; we have to move forward,” Jim says, “This was Francis’ guy — that’s how we would say it in Boston.” In 2020, Pope Francis beatified Acutis and then in 2024 recognized the second miracle needed for his canonization.
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“[Pope Francis] is talking to Jesus face to face, that’s the way I like to look at it. So I moved on from shock and dismay to celebrating,” Jim continues. “The other thing is, when a pope passes, we Catholics are the topic of every news station around the world. The parting gift from Pope Francis is that everybody in the world is talking and asking questions about Catholicism. This is a big moment for us, and the world is watching.”
The film details the life of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, and his ability to use technology to evangelize. “He got you on the internet to get you off the internet — to get you into church,” Jim continues. “He taught you about these Eucharistic miracles, thinking that everyone’s reaction would be like his reaction: This is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.”
In addition to telling Acutis’ story through his parents and friends, the movie follows a pilgrimage group of American high school students to Acutis’ tomb in Assisi. Jim notes that before the trip, “Many of them said, ‘I go to Catholic school because my family sends me. I don’t believe much of this, or any of this. I don’t even know if I believe in God.’”
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“Then they find out they can’t bring their electronics,” he continues. “Once your electronics are taken away and you get over the initial detox, your head comes up and you start to look around and see the beauty of the world — particularly of Rome and Assisi — and the beauty of our church and our faith. Many of these young people had major conversion experiences as a result of going on this pilgrimage.”
Jim shares how he was drawn to Acutis’ devotion to the Eucharist. “70% of the people in the pews don’t believe in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist; it’s an alarming number,” he says. “To have this opportunity to share this young man’s story, his love for the Eucharist, and his desire to let everyone know about the Eucharist — it’s just a gift that I get to do this. This is the greatest job that anyone’s ever had.”
