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Pope Leo declares recovery of Rhode Island infant first miracle of his papacy
The boy “suddenly recovered" after a physician invoked a 19th century Spanish priest in prayer, church officials announced.
Pope Leo XIV declared the first miracle of his papacy after a Rhode Island doctor turned to prayer and a newborn completely recovered, according to church officials.
The recovery of the newborn baby born in 2007 at the former Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island in Pawtucket was attributed to a 19th century Spanish priest after the physician invoked a 19th century Spanish priest, according to the local diocese.
The event is the first to be recognized as a miracle since Pope Leo became the first American pontiff in May.
When Tyquan Hall was born the night of Jan. 14, 2007, he barely had a pulse had a slow heart rate, according to the Diocese of Almería. Juan Sanchez-Esteban, the attending physician who is from Almería, prayed to Venerable Priest Salvador Valera Parra, who was previously honored by Pope Francis in 2021.
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“As a physician, I have the privilege of witnessing both the fragility and the incredible resilience of life. Moments of recovery and healing touch all of us deeply — families, caregivers, and medical teams alike,” Sanchez-Esteban, the staff neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital, said in a statement. He noted that he cannot speak about any individual patient due to HIPAA privacy laws.
Sanchez-Esteban was preparing to tell Hall’s parents of their son’s death, according to the Diocese of Almería, but the nurse reported the child was recovering. The Diocese of Providence added that the baby didn’t breathe for more than an hour despite life-saving measures and had no heartbeat.
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After Sanchez-Esteban prayed, church officials added, the boy “suddenly recovered.” The boy should have suffered developmental damage, potentially cerebral palsy or mental or physical disabilities from the lack of oxygen, but he has led a life completely free of any complications.
“I understand that a recent recognition by the Vatican has brought comfort and meaning to many,” Sanchez-Esteban said. “We are honored to be part of the stories that inspire hope, and we remain committed to providing care grounded in compassion, excellence, and respect for every individual and their beliefs.”
The Diocese of Providence investigated the alleged miracle in 2014 with assistance from the Spanish diocese.
Father Timothy Reilly, the diocese chancellor, called Pope Leo’s decree “wonderful news.”
The miracle “is a reminder of the power of prayer and the intercession of holy men and women. God is indeed close to us,” Reilly said in a statement. “We are thrilled that this recognition will move the cause of beatification and canonization forward for Venerable Servant of God Salvador Valera Parra.”
This article has been updated to include a comment from Sanchez-Esteban.
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