Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States, made the decree after years of investigation by Church authorities. The event in question dates back to 2007 at the former Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The infant, referred to only as “Tyquan,” was born prematurely and presented no signs of life for 65 minutes following birth.

Doctor’s Prayer Cited As Miraculous Turning Point

Medical teams attempted standard life-saving procedures during that time, but the baby’s heart showed no activity and he remained unresponsive. The attending physician, a native of Spain and known practitioner of Catholic devotion, turned to prayer for guidance and support. Specifically, the doctor sought the intercession of Father Salvador Valera Parra, a 19th-century Spanish priest currently under consideration for sainthood.

Following the prayer, the baby’s heart suddenly began to beat. This turnaround occurred without any further medical action, surprising all in the delivery room. Church officials say this moment was central to the case for miracle status.

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, a Vatican body responsible for investigating miracles and evaluating sanctity, undertook an extensive review of the incident. The case was originally brought forward by members within the Diocese of Providence, which has advocated for the recognition of supernatural cause in the infant’s survival.

Years Of Review Preceded June Signing

Although the revival occurred in 2007, serious consideration and formal investigation by the Catholic Church took place over many years. Church leaders documented witness accounts and medical reports to assess whether a natural explanation could be found. The baby’s survival, after more than an hour without breath, was eventually determined to be scientifically unexplainable.

Local clergy have expressed both awe and excitement at the recent ruling. Reverend Timothy Reilly reflected on the long odds the newborn faced, stating that the medical team’s perseverance, combined with the sudden turnaround, suggested intervention from beyond. Reilly said, “That really kind of played out in my mind when I thought about it.”

He added that the total absence of any viable medical cause strengthened the view that the event may have been guided by divine influence. “They all point to the fact that this could not be explained,” he said. “Something outside this world is responsible for his healing.”

Potential Path To Sainthood Boosted

The recognition of this event as a miracle has important implications beyond its immediate circumstances. The Diocese of Providence believes this supports the advancement of Salvador Valera Parra’s cause for beatification and eventual canonization. One such miracle is often required by the Catholic Church to move a candidate further in the process toward sainthood.

In a written statement, representatives of the diocese called the 2007 event a testament to the “power of prayer and the intercession of holy men and women.” The statement also suggested that this confirmation brings the Church closer to confirming Parra's sanctity.

The Vatican’s June 20 decree marks the official close of the investigative portion of the case. It also adds renewed attention to Father Valera Parra’s legacy and influence, especially among communities where he is venerated.

First U.S. Pope Leaves A Mark

This is the first miracle declaration made by Pope Leo XIV since his elevation to the papacy. Born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV became the first American to hold the position, and his decision is seen by some as a historic nod to his homeland.

While Pope Leo XIV did not offer a public statement at the time of the signing, Church observers note the significance of a papal recognition involving an American child and doctor. The move could also serve to encourage American Catholics in their faith, especially among communities in New England.

GoLocalProv, a local Rhode Island media outlet, first brought the story to broader public attention. Since then, national and international interest in the case has grown, especially after confirmation of the Vatican’s ruling.

Venerable Servant Of God Honored

Father Salvador Valera Parra, referenced in the doctor’s prayer, lived in 19th-century Spain and was known during his lifetime for his teaching and devotion. His cause for sainthood has been supported by several Catholic communities, both in Spain and abroad.

With this newly approved miracle attributed to his intercession, Parra now moves closer to beatification — the second of four steps required for sainthood in the Catholic Church. Church officials will now consider whether to schedule a beatification ceremony, pending further review and support from leaders in the Vatican.

For the Diocese of Providence, the recognition serves both as a source of inspiration and as a formal acknowledgment of faith in action. “We are thrilled that this recognition will move the cause of beatification and canonization forward,” Church officials said regarding Parra's legacy and the Rhode Island infant’s survival.