In a landmark announcement on Thursday, Pope Francis has attributed a second miracle to Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian computer prodigy who passed away from leukemia in 2006. This development brings Acutis one step closer to becoming the first saint of the millennial generation.

Carlo Acutis, born on May 3, 1991, in London and later moved to Milan with his Italian parents, was already beatified by Pope Francis in Assisi last year—the youngest contemporary person to achieve this honor. During a meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the head of the Vatican's saint-making department, the Pontiff notified the approval of a second miracle attributed to Acutis.

Known as the "patron saint of the internet," Acutis utilized his technological talent to create a website that cataloged miracles and supported various local Catholic organizations with their website management. Remarkably, Acutis taught himself computer programming at a young age and even mastered video editing and animation.

Acutis began his journey to sainthood when Pope Francis recognized the first miracle attributed to him—a miraculous healing of a Brazilian boy suffering from a rare pancreatic disorder. The boy made a recovery after coming into contact with a relic, a piece of one of Acutis' T-shirts.

The second miracle acknowledged on Thursday centers around a woman from Costa Rica who visited Acutis' tomb in Assisi in July 2022 to pray for her daughter's recovery from severe head trauma sustained in a bicycle accident. Miraculously, the young woman started showing signs of improvement immediately following her mother's plea.

Carlo Acutis' deep religious devotion was evident from a young age, surprising his non-practicing parents. His strong interest in visiting churches and requesting the sacrament of Holy Communion at a tender age led his mother, Antonia Salzano, to study theology in order to provide answers to his inquiries, ultimately revitalizing her own faith.

As per Acutis' wishes, he was buried in Assisi, a town he cherished for its association with St. Francis of Assisi and his commitment to aiding the impoverished. His body has been displayed for veneration in a sanctuary in Assisi, while his heart resides in a reliquary at the St. Francis Basilica.

Pope Francis has announced that he will convene a Consistory of Cardinals to deliberate the canonization of Carlo Acutis, along with three other Blessed individuals. If canonized, Acutis will not only serve as an inspiration to the millennial generation but also as a role model for those who harness technology to serve others and deepen their faith.

The canonization process, with its focus on miracles and saintly virtues, stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound impact individuals like Carlo Acutis can have on the world.