In June 2025, Pope Leo XIV officially recognized the miraculous recovery of newborn Tyquan Hall as the first verified miracle of his papacy. The Vatican confirmed that the intercession of 19th-century Spanish priest Father Salvador Valera Parra was responsible for the infant’s unexplained healing. The decision came after an exhaustive investigation by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and the Diocese of Almería, Spain.
Critical Birth Conditions and Sudden Recovery
Tyquan Hall was born on January 14, 2007, at Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Due to complications during delivery, he suffered a lack of oxygen, showed no heartbeat, and displayed a cyanotic appearance. According to medical records and testimonies submitted during the Vatican’s inquiry, he did not respond to resuscitation efforts for over 60 minutes. At that point, Dr. Juan Sánchez‑Esteban reportedly invoked Father Valera in a quiet prayer. Shortly afterward, a nurse reported spontaneous breathing and a steady heart rate in the infant, which medical experts found to be scientifically unexplainable.
Long-Term Health and Normal Development
After his revival, Tyquan was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at Women & Infants Hospital and later underwent surgery at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Doctors initially warned his family that he might suffer lasting neurological impairments due to prolonged oxygen deprivation. However, according to medical follow-ups, Tyquan exhibited normal development milestones—he began speaking by 18 months and walking by age two. No signs of cognitive or physical impairment were recorded in the following years, supporting the Vatican’s conclusion that the event was miraculous.
Father Valera’s Intercession and Canonization Process
Father Salvador Valera Parra, born in 1816 in Spain, was known for his service to the sick and poor during natural disasters and cholera outbreaks. He died in 1889 and was declared “Venerable” by Pope Francis in 2021. The case involving Tyquan Hall marks the first miracle attributed to him. Under Catholic Church canonization procedures, a verified miracle is required for beatification. Pope Leo XIV’s recognition allows Father Valera’s cause to proceed to the next stage. A second miracle will be required for sainthood.
Medical Perspective and Dr. Sánchez‑Esteban’s Statement
Dr. Juan Sánchez‑Esteban, a neonatologist from Spain who treated Tyquan, issued a statement through Women & Infants Hospital. While bound by patient privacy laws, he acknowledged the event and expressed gratitude that it had brought spiritual meaning and comfort to many. He emphasized the importance of faith, science, and compassion coexisting in modern medicine. The Vatican’s investigation included multiple testimonies from physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff, whose evaluations were also reviewed by a panel of independent medical experts.
Diocese of Providence Emphasizes Power of Prayer
The Diocese of Providence, which includes Pawtucket, played an important role in providing documentation and spiritual support during the Vatican’s review process. Father Timothy Reilly, Chancellor of the Diocese, described the papal declaration as a powerful affirmation of faith and the efficacy of prayer. He noted that the case brought encouragement not only to Catholics in Rhode Island but also to the global Church.
Community Reaction in Rhode Island
The local Catholic community in Rhode Island responded with gratitude and reverence following the announcement. Church leaders organized prayer services and masses of thanksgiving. Tyquan, now a healthy teenager, has become a symbol of hope for many. His story has been shared widely across parishes and religious education centers, emphasizing the continued relevance of faith and miracles in contemporary life.
Significance Within the Church’s Canonization Process
In the Catholic Church, miracles play a central role in the path to sainthood. For a candidate to be beatified, one miracle attributed to their intercession must be verified through a rigorous process involving theological and scientific review. Once beatified, a second miracle is typically needed for canonization. The recognition of Tyquan Hall’s healing as a miracle not only advances Father Valera’s cause but also highlights the thoroughness with which the Vatican evaluates such claims.
Final Thoughts: Miracles at the Intersection of Faith and Medicine
The story of Tyquan Hall reflects a rare convergence of medical science and religious belief. While some may interpret the recovery through a spiritual lens and others through natural resilience, the Vatican’s declaration affirms the Church’s belief in the possibility of divine intervention. Pope Leo XIV’s recognition of the miracle reinforces his pastoral vision and dedication to celebrating faith in everyday life. It also serves as a testament to the enduring presence of hope and the power of prayer in the most critical moments.
Sources
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https://people.com/pope-leo-xiv-birth-baby-rhode-island-2007-miracle-11775781
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https://dcgary.org/news/rhode-island-celebrates-pope-leo-declaration-babys-healing-was-true-miracle
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https://angelusnews.com/news/nation/rhode-island-baby-miracle
