Camilla Jessen
A newborn declared dead in Rhode Island came back to life—after a whispered prayer.
Pope Leo XIV has recognized the first official miracle of his papacy: the inexplicable revival of a newborn whose heart had stopped for over an hour.
Now, the doctor at the center of the event is breaking his silence.
A Baby Without a Pulse
On January 14, 2007, at the now-closed Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Tyquan Hall was delivered via emergency C-section in critical condition.
He had suffered from oxygen deprivation, was cyanotic, and barely had a pulse.
Despite nearly an hour of resuscitation efforts, Tyquan’s heart stopped completely. He was declared dead.
A Final Plea
Dr. Juan Sánchez-Esteban, a Spanish-born physician and neonatal specialist, was the one who had to deliver the news to the parents.
But before doing so, he made a private plea to a 19th-century Spanish priest: Father Salvador Valera Parra.
“Now It’s Your Turn”
As he left the delivery room, Dr. Sánchez-Esteban whispered a childhood prayer to the priest his parents had once told him stories about.
Fr. Valera, known for his care of the sick during cholera outbreaks in Andalusia, had never been associated with a confirmed miracle.
Still, the doctor had little else to offer.
“I have done everything I can. Now it’s your turn,” he prayed.
“Suddenly, He Came Back”
As Dr. Sánchez-Esteban walked down the hallway to deliver the news, a nurse ran after him.
Tyquan had begun breathing, and his heartbeat had resumed.
According to the Diocese of Almería, despite being clinically dead for 65 minutes, Tyquan survived without any neurological or physical impairments. No cerebral palsy, no developmental delays. Just a fully healthy child.
Today, he’s reportedly healthy and thriving.
A Miracle Confirmed
Rev. Timothy Reilly, Chancellor of the Diocese of Providence, told WPRI News that Tyquan’s recovery “could not be explained.”
“Something outside this world is responsible for his healing,” he stated.
In July 2025, Pope Leo XIV officially recognized the case as a Vatican-confirmed miracle, the first ever acknowledged in the state of Rhode Island.
This recognition marks a major step in Valera Parra’s path to sainthood. According to canon law, one more confirmed miracle is required for full canonization.
Investigations and Reactions
Reilly, who assisted the Diocese of Almería with the formal investigation beginning in 2014, called the news “wonderful,” stating:
“This is a reminder of the power of prayer and the intercession of holy men and women. God is indeed close to us.”
The Diocese of Providence shared a post on X on July 18, echoing that sentiment and celebrating the Vatican’s recognition.
Doctor Reflects
In a carefully worded statement to the Daily Mail, Dr. Sánchez-Esteban did not name the child but reflected on the experience:
“As a physician, I have the privilege of witnessing both the fragility and the incredible resilience of life.”
He added, “while I cannot speak about any individual patient due to HIPAA privacy laws, I understand that a recent recognition by the Vatican has brought comfort and meaning to many.”
“We are honored to be part of the stories that inspire hope,” he continued,
