Pedro Ballester, a 21-year-old chemical engineering student from Manchester, is being considered for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. Ballester, born in 1996 and often described as a “Zillennial” — a term for those born on the cusp of the Millennial and Generation Z cohorts — passed away in 2018 after battling cancer.

Raised in Manchester and later Yorkshire, Ballester studied at Imperial College London and was a member of the Opus Dei prelature. Known affectionately as “Pedrito,” he was remembered by family and friends as a devoted Catholic, an animal lover, and an avid tennis player. Despite facing "intense pain" during his illness, Ballester reportedly maintained a joyful spirit and a deep concern for others, offering comfort and prayers to those who visited him during treatment.

Following his death, there has been growing interest among some Catholics in Ballester’s potential sainthood. Reports indicate that prayers for healing have been directed to him, and his burial site in Manchester has become a place of pilgrimage. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford recently announced the formal opening of the cause for his beatification and canonization.

More than 60 individuals have submitted testimonies about Ballester’s life to form part of a dossier that will be reviewed by Vatican officials. If the investigation deems him “venerable,” the next steps would require two verified miracles attributed to him after his death for beatification and eventual canonization.

Jack Valero, representing Opus Dei in the United Kingdom, described Ballester’s demeanor during his illness as increasingly happy and attentive to others’ concerns. “When [people] would go to see him he would always ask about them. If you had a problem he would say: ‘Tell me about it so I can pray for it,’” Valero said. Ballester’s influence also extended beyond religious circles; one friend who was not initially a believer was reportedly inspired to be baptized after spending time with him during his treatment.

Pedro Ballester’s father, Pedro Ballester Sr., expressed that the formal process of canonization offers a way to continue his son’s legacy. “In a way, after his death, it’s an opportunity for him to carry on his work. Pedrito is more Pedrito now than he has ever been, in heaven,” he said. The cause is now underway as Church authorities begin the formal review of Ballester’s life and legacy.