The canonisation of the first saint of the millennial generation, Carlo Acutis, has been suspended due to Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican said in a statement on Monday.

Mr Acutis was originally set to be made a saint at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on April 27.

He was born in London on May 3, 1991, to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. From a young age, he displayed a profound love for God and the church that inspired his parents.

“Before Carlo’s birth, I was really caught up in the culture of our time,” his mother says. “I was a prisoner of everything that is relative and limited.” But “Carlo showed me how to live in my century while turning toward eternity.”

His family later moved to Milan, Italy, where his passion for computer programming blossomed alongside his deepening faith.

Mr Acutis, known for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and adept use of technology to share religious content, was set to become the first millennial saint.

Pope Francis had officially recognised a second miracle attributed to Acutis and approved his canonisation.

Mr Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at 15 due to leukaemia, has been admired for his work in creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide.

His beatification took place in October 2020, and the recent recognition of a second miracle – an essential step in the process – marks the final phase towards sainthood.

Mr Acutis is celebrated for his piety and ability to integrate his faith with modern technology, resonating deeply with young Catholics around the globe.

In spite of his young age, he exhibited an exceptional intellect and a keen interest in understanding the mysteries of technology and Catholicism.

He spent many hours honing his skills as a computer programmer while remaining committed to prayer and devotion.

At the age of seven, he began participating in daily mass and developed a deep love for the Eucharist.

“My secret is to contact Jesus every day,” he said.

(Reuters/NAN)