'God's influencer' UK teen Carlo Acutis set to become Catholic Church's first millennial saint

Carlo Acutis, a UK-born teenager who passed away from leukemia in 2006, is set to become the Catholic Church's first "millennial saint." Known for his exceptional computer skills, Acutis used technology to promote the church's teachings. His sainthood is being recognised following two confirmed miracles attributed to him.

Born in London in 1991, Acutis showed early signs of religious devotion, often asking his mother to visit churches to donate his pocket money to the poor. His interest in technology led him to teach himself coding, which he used to build websites for Catholic organisations. One notable website documents miracles from around the world and has been translated into multiple languages.

Miraculous Recoveries

After Acutis' death in Italy, where he lived with his parents, his body was displayed in a tomb along with his belongings. His journey to sainthood began when a seven-year-old Brazilian boy reportedly recovered from a rare pancreatic disease after touching one of Acutis' t-shirts while a priest prayed for him. This recovery was deemed miraculous and was approved by the Pope.

Second Miracle and Canonisation
The second miracle involved a university student in Florence who suffered a brain bleed after a bicycle accident. Her family was told she was in critical condition. After her mother prayed at Acutis' tomb, the student was taken off the ventilator and, within 10 days, scans showed no sign of the brain injury. Pope Francis' approval of this second miracle has qualified Acutis for canonisation.

Legacy and Influence
Acutis, known as "God's influencer," used his technological talents to advance the Catholic faith, leaving a lasting impact through his websites and documented miracles. His canonisation as the first saint born in the 1990s marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church.