Pope Leo XIV was no stranger to sleepless nights, but the letter from Sarah Martinez—a grandmother in Phoenix—had been haunting him for weeks. Her grandson, Tommy, had asked a question that struck at the heart of the Pope’s deepest fears: “If God loves us so much, why doesn’t He do miracles like He used to?” As the Pope read Sarah’s shaky handwriting, he realized this wasn’t just a question from a curious child—it was a cry from millions of believers around the world, desperate for reassurance that their faith still mattered.

The answer, Pope Leo knew, was locked away in the Vatican Secret Archives, specifically in the forbidden Level 7. For sixty years, the Church had hidden thousands of documented miracles performed by ordinary people, fearing that revealing them would undermine its authority. But Pope Leo, shaped by his experiences growing up in Brooklyn and serving impoverished communities in Peru, could no longer bear the weight of this secret. He decided to act, knowing that the truth could shake the foundations of the Church—or bring about a long-awaited renewal.

 

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Accompanied by Cardinal Francesco, Pope Leo descended into Level 7, where he uncovered file cabinets filled with testimonies of miracles. From a young mother in Guatemala who healed a dying child to a factory worker in Detroit who stopped an explosion with prayer, these stories revealed the extraordinary power of faith among ordinary people. Each account was verified, witnessed, and authenticated, yet hidden from the world.

The Pope’s decision to reveal these miracles was met with fierce resistance from the Vatican’s inner circle. Cardinals argued that exposing the truth would threaten the Church’s credibility and authority. But Pope Leo stood firm, challenging the notion that God’s power was reserved for clergy and religious elites. He reminded them of biblical stories where Jesus worked through ordinary people, emphasizing that faith, not credentials, was what mattered.

 

Pope at Audience: There is no cry God does not hear - Vatican News

 

On Sunday morning, Pope Leo addressed a crowd of over 200,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. He shared the story of Maria Santos and her miraculous prayer that healed a dying child. He confessed that the Church had hidden thousands of similar miracles and announced the creation of the People’s Miracle Archive, where anyone could share their testimonies of God’s work in their lives. The crowd erupted in cheers, and people began standing up to share their own stories of faith and miracles.

The impact of Miracle Sunday was immediate and profound. Churches around the world experienced a surge in attendance, as people returned to faith with renewed hope and purpose. The People’s Miracle Archive received an overwhelming response, with millions of testimonies pouring in from every corner of the globe. Pope Leo’s bold decision not only revitalized the Church but also inspired individuals to embrace their role as vessels of God’s love and power.

 

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Audience: Unjust investments come at 'bloody price of millions of human lives' — The Middle East Council of Churches

 

Months later, the ripple effects of Miracle Sunday continued to spread. Dr. Miguel, the boy healed by Maria Santos, opened a free medical clinic in his village, funded by donations inspired by his story. Pope Leo traveled to Guatemala to bless the clinic, surrounded by three generations of the Santos family. As he knelt at a shrine built in Maria’s honor, he reflected on the power of transparency and the importance of reminding people that they are deeply loved and trusted by God.

Pope Leo’s journey to uncover the truth about miracles taught the world an invaluable lesson: God’s love and power are not confined to history books or religious institutions. They are alive and active, working through anyone who has faith. By sharing this truth, Pope Leo XIV not only restored hope to millions but also fostered a more compassionate and inclusive world, where every act of belief contributes to collective healing and progress.