Pope Leo XIV has declared his first miracle.
The Vatican’s announcement this week has ignited excitement around the cause of Father Salvador Valera Parra, who now stands on the brink of sainthood.
Born in 2007 via emergency cesarean section, baby Tyquan Hall arrived pale, cyanotic, and without a pulse. He was a victim of severe oxygen deprivation, according to the Diocese of Almeria.
Medical staff at the Rhode Island hospital believed he wouldn’t survive. It was in this critical moment that Dr. Juan Sanchez, a native of Huércal‑Overa, Spain, opted to pray for the child.
In a desperate plea, Dr. Sanchez “ prayed for the miraculous intercession of the region’s patron, 19th century Father Valera Parra,” according to WJAR.
Reports claim that following the prayer, Tyquan's heart began to beat normally without any medical assistance.
Despite initial fears of lasting neurological harm from the oxygen deficiency, Tyquan exceeded every expectation.
He spoke at 18 months, walked at two, and “shows no sign of impairment” today.
This complete recovery, in the words of the Vatican, serves as “a living testament to the power of faith.”
The miracle has reignited interest in Father Salvador Valera Parra, born in Spain in 1816 and deceased in 1889, a diocesan priest known for humility and obscurity.
Until now, no miracles had been tied to his name. This extraordinary turn has moved his cause forward significantly.
“We are thrilled that this recognition will move the cause of beatification and canonization forward for Venerable Servant of God Salvador Valera Parra,” said Reverend Timothy Reilly of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, according to WJAR.
Highlighting the geographic and historical span of the miracle, Reilly added: “The cool thing is, the more you think about the miracle itself, Father Valera lives in the 19th century."
"He never came to the U.S. We have no knowledge of him coming here. Never came to Rhode Island,” Reilly said.
He reflected on the power of faith crossing both time and place: “And yet, because the doctor called out and called upon his name for help in the situation back in ‘07 on behalf of that little baby, he decided to intervene and ask God for a miracle,” the reverend concluded.
This declared miracle marks Pope Leo XIV’s first authenticated miracle since his election — the first for the 69-year-old American pontiff.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, he became Pope on May 8, following the death of Pope Francis, and made history as both the first American and first Peruvian pope.
Only one more confirmed miracle is needed for Father Valera Parra to be officially canonized.