Dr. Juan Sánchez‑Esteban recently opened up about the moment he “ran out of options” while treating a premature infant in 2007—and turned to prayer when all medical interventions failed. That act has now been recognized by Pope Leo XIV as the first miracle of his pontificate.
The baby, Tyquan Hall, was born via emergency C-section at Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with no detectable pulse and nearly an hour of attempted resuscitation behind him. After Dr. Sánchez‑Esteban prayed to 19th‑century Spanish priest Father Salvador Valera Parra, Tyquan’s heartbeat inexplicably restarted. The Boston Globe recounts that he then defied expectations by hitting developmental milestones like talking by 18 months and walking by age two.
“As a physician, I know medicine—but sometimes miracles happen. This gave me hope.”
In his first public remarks, Dr. Sánchez‑Esteban spoke with humility, stating “as a physician, I have the privilege of witnessing both the fragility and resilience of life,” while also noting that HIPAA prevents disclosing all details, though he hoped the Vatican’s recognition “brings comfort and meaning.” The doctor emphasized the collaborative role of science and faith at Care New England and Women & Infants Hospital.
This declaration not only lifts Father Valera Parra one step closer to sainthood but also marks a victory in blending medicine with spiritual care. As HOLA! highlights, the priest never set foot in the U.S., yet his influence reportedly crossed continents through this prayer.
“Prayer whispered in 2025 saved a life from 2007—faith transcends time.”
The Vatican’s process, which began with a diocesan investigation in 2014 and culminated with a decree signed on June 20, 2025, emphasizes that the recovery cannot be explained by science alone. CBS Austin confirms this is Rhode Island’s first Vatican-recognized miracle.
Reverend Timothy Reilly of the Providence Diocese celebrated the announcement, marveling that Father Valera—never having visited Rhode Island—“decided to intervene.” GoLocalProv reports that this sense of divine intervention has deeply touched local communities.
Even some skeptics acknowledge that Tyquan’s recovery—achieving normal cognitive and physical development despite grave odds—is medically extraordinary. The Vatican pointed to his milestones as clear proof, specifying he began speaking at 18 months and walking by age two, a fact supported by official reports.
What makes this case especially compelling is that Dr. Sánchez‑Esteban turned to prayer only after exhaustive medical efforts failed—intubation, chest compressions, and epinephrine had no effect for nearly 60 minutes. When the prayer was uttered, reports state Tyquan’s heart restarted “without any further intervention.” AOL’s follow-up article includes more of the doctor’s reflections on that decisive moment.
At the heart of this miracle stands the idea that faith and modern science can exist side-by-side. Dr. Sánchez‑Esteban, a native of Huércal-Overa in Spain, reinforced this by saying he remains “committed to providing care grounded in compassion, excellence, and respect for every individual and their beliefs.” That sentiment, Boston Globe notes, bridges medical professionalism and spiritual care.
This announcement also bolsters the Vatican’s effort to canonize Millennial-era figures. Pope Leo has been progressing on the sainthood of Carlo Acutis, the British teenager known for his Eucharistic devotion, and Wikipedia confirms that Tyquan’s miracle provides fresh momentum for such causes.
“Skeptical? I say don’t choose. Faith and science saved a child—live with that mystery.”
Meanwhile, Catholic hospitals are taking notice: several in Rhode Island and Spain are now exploring how to integrate pastoral resources alongside clinical care, supporting families facing dire medical outcomes. AOL reports this marks a significant shift in patient support strategies.
Doctrinally, the miracle also offers a fresh take on intercessory prayer—particularly its perceived reach from 19th-century Spain to a modern-day intensive care unit in the U.S. As HOLA! observes, this is remarkable since Father Valera’s influence transcends time and geography.
Dr. Sánchez‑Esteban’s full statement underscores medical humility: “I have witnessed fragility and resilience… and remain honored to be part of stories that inspire hope.” That acknowledgment, GoLocalProv adds, speaks volumes about healing that combines science and faith.
For Tyquan’s family, this miracle is already life-changing. Though they’ve kept a low profile, church officials say they’re planning to travel to Rome to meet Pope Leo when the canonization process advances—marking a deeply personal intersection of family, faith and global recognition. New York Post mentions their gratitude and plans.
Some medical ethicists caution against overstating the miracle, noting that rare spontaneous recoveries do occur. But most agree that Tyquan’s full cognitive and physical development—coupled with no visible brain damage—makes this case extraordinary. The Vatican’s official assessment thoroughly investigated that context, and CBS Austin affirms its completeness.
More than a single event, this is a story of what happens when hope, prayer, and medical expertise intersect at the edge of despair. It reminds us that in critical moments, sometimes healing defies explanation—and both faith and science may have roles to play.
LEAVE US A COMMENT
Comments
comments