Pope Leo XIV Declares First Miracle

Pope Leo XIV has officially recognized his first miracle since assuming the papacy—an astonishing 2007 case in which a newborn baby in Rhode Island miraculously revived after being declared medically lifeless.

The infant, born via emergency C-section, had no heartbeat for nearly an hour despite all medical efforts. Doctors were preparing for the worst until something extraordinary happened: the baby’s heart spontaneously started beating again.

The Power of a Prayer

The turning point came when Dr. Juan Sánchez-Esteban, the attending physician at the time, paused to pray. His prayer was directed to Father Salvador Valera Parra, a 19th-century Spanish priest known for his devotion and humility. Immediately after the prayer, the baby’s condition began to improve with no further intervention. Medical science deemed the recovery unexplainable.

A Path to Sainthood

This miracle is now a major step toward Father Valera Parra’s canonization. In Catholic tradition, at least one confirmed miracle is required for beatification, and this declaration clears that milestone. It also reflects Pope Leo XIV’s approach to recognizing modern-day miracles that are deeply rooted in both faith and personal testimony.

Community and Vatican Response

The announcement has resonated deeply with the Rhode Island community, especially among members of the Diocese of Providence. Church officials praised the decision, calling it a powerful reminder of divine intercession. Pope Leo XIV’s recognition also brings international attention to the enduring presence of faith-based healing in a modern world.

A Message of Hope

For the doctor involved, the moment reaffirmed the mysterious and sacred nature of life. For the Vatican, it serves as a profound example of spiritual connection across continents and centuries. And for the world, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the unexplainable can become undeniable.

Who Was Father Valera Parra?

Father Salvador Valera Parra, the priest at the center of this miracle, lived in Spain during the 1800s and was known for his deep compassion, tireless charity work, and spiritual devotion. Though he passed away more than a century ago, stories of his healing prayers and humble nature have been passed down through generations. His local legacy in Spain has steadily grown, and now—thanks to this recognized miracle—his path to sainthood takes a major step forward. For many of his followers, this moment feels long overdue.

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