Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who passed away from leukemia at 15, is on the fast track to becoming the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. Pope Francis has acknowledged a second miracle attributed to Acutis, a move that could lead to his canonization as early as next year. Acutis, known for his work in documenting miracles online, has been an inspirational figure for young Catholics, especially those in Chicago who have adopted him as a patron of sorts for their digital generation, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

In Chicago, the story of Acutis has been interwoven with the faith education of many young Catholics. Local youth ministries and even a parish named in his honor have embraced the late teen's legacy. "His story is inspiring," Stephanie Rubio, a 21-year-old Chicagoan said in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. A Chicago parish also features Acutis’ name spelled out in binary code, acknowledging his talent as a web programmer and his unique method of evangelization. According to ABC7 Chicago, Carlo Acutis, enjoyed computer games like Halo, and Pokémon, and used his technological aptitude to spread faith online.

The first miracle tied to Acutis, which led to his beatification in 2020, involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a severe pancreatic disorder. The second miracle occurred when a woman recovered from head trauma after her mother prayed at Acutis' shrine, further solidifying his reputation for divine intercession. With these claimed miracles, the Vatican's stringent criteria for sainthood are notably met, placing Acutis on the path to canonization, according to ABC7 Chicago.

The influence of Acutis seems to transcend borders, with a traveling exhibit of his work around Eucharistic miracles attracting significant attention in diverse communities. Dr. Tom Howard, a coordinator of religious education, compared Acutis’ methodical cataloging of miracles to the venerable work of Saint Thomas Aquinas, saying, "He laid [the miracles] out in a user-friendly way so teens could look at them" on the internet. This connection between faith and modern technology makes Acutis particularly relevant to young believers seeking to navigate their spirituality within a digital landscape, the Chicago Sun-Times observed.

As the Catholic Church continues its efforts to engage with a younger, more technologically savvy audience, figures like Acutis become critical touchstones. His imminent canonization mirrors a broader recognition within the church of the need to appeal to and understand the millennial generation, with their intrinsic ties to the digital world, gaming culture, and the vast web that connects them all.