Pope Francis has recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager, paving the way for his canonization as the first millennial saint. The miracle involves the healing of 21-year-old Valeria Valverde from Costa Rica, who sustained a severe head injury in a bicycle accident in 2022.
After Valeria’s emergency craniotomy, doctors informed her family that her condition was critical. Her mother then traveled to Assisi to pray at Acutis’ tomb, leaving a written note. Remarkably, Valeria began to recover on the same day, eventually regaining full health.
Acutis, who died of cancer in 2006 at the age of 15, is celebrated for his devotion to the Eucharist and his work documenting Eucharistic miracles. His beatification in 2020 highlighted his impact on the Catholic faith, particularly among the youth.
The recognition of this second miracle suggests Acutis could be canonized during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.
Acutis is remembered for his deep faith and technological skills, having created an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles that has been displayed worldwide. His life’s motto was, “To always be united to Jesus: This is my life plan.”
