In a historic move, the Catholic Church is set to canonize Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian web designer, as its first saint from the millennial generation. The formal approval was given by Pope Francis and the cardinals residing in Rome during an Ordinary Public Consistory on Monday.

Carlo Acutis, also known as "God's Influencer," earned this title for his pioneering work in spreading Catholicism online. Born to affluent Italian parents in London in 1991, Acutis was a devout child who requested to receive his first communion at the age of 7. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to attending church and receiving communion daily.

As he grew older, Acutis developed a keen interest in computers and the internet. He created a website that meticulously catalogued church-approved miracles and appearances of the Virgin Mary throughout history. Acutis' exceptional devotion and love for the Church were exemplified in his compassionate acts of kindness towards the less fortunate. He used his weekly allowance to support the homeless, needy, and immigrants in his community.

Tragically, Acutis' life was cut short when he succumbed to leukemia in October 2006 at just 15 years old. However, his impact on others continued to be felt long after his passing. At his funeral in Monza, Italy, numerous residents, particularly those whom Acutis had assisted, showed up to pay their respects to the exceptional teenager.

Pope Francis formally declared Acutis as "blessed" in October 2020, following the approval of a miracle attributed to him. In Brazil, a young boy was miraculously healed of a deadly pancreatic disease after praying to a relic of Acutis. This miracle marked a significant step towards his path to sainthood.

To attain the status of a saint, a second posthumous miracle was required. In 2022, a woman visited Acutis' tomb and prayed for her daughter, who had suffered severe head trauma from a bicycle accident just six days earlier in Florence. Against all odds, the young girl began to breathe spontaneously on the day of her mother's pilgrimage and made a remarkable recovery shortly after.

While no specific date has been set for Acutis' canonization, it is expected to take place in 2025. The Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints had thoroughly examined and approved Acutis' cause for sainthood before the ceremony on Monday.

In addition to Acutis, the consistory also approved the canonizations of 14 other individuals, including 11 victims who perished during the Syrian Civil War in 1860. This war claimed the lives of thousands of Christians in Syria, highlighting the significance of their recognition by the Church.

Carlo Acutis' pending sainthood is a testament to his profound devotion, digital influence, and selfless commitment to serving others. The Catholic Church looks forward to celebrating his life and example as the first millennial saint in its history.