Brief Overview
- This article examines the remarkable story of Ivana Greco, a woman from Catania, Sicily, who gave birth to her daughter Rebecca Maria while in a coma in March 2013.
- Ivana suffered a cerebral hemorrhage during her second pregnancy, leading to an emergency cesarean section and a prolonged comatose state.
- She claims that an apparition of Saint John Paul II appeared to her during this coma, offering comfort and prayer, which she credits for her recovery.
- After waking on March 29, 2013, Ivana discovered her healthy newborn and experienced no neurological damage, an outcome she attributes to divine intervention.
- The Catholic Church has not officially declared this event a miracle, but it raises questions about the role of saints, intercession, and supernatural experiences in faith.
- This analysis provides a scholarly Catholic perspective on Ivana’s experience, focusing on theology, doctrine, and the process of miracle verification.
Detailed Response
The Story of Ivana Greco
In March 2013, Ivana Greco, a 33-year-old mother from Catania, Sicily, faced a life-threatening crisis during her second pregnancy. She had been carrying her child peacefully when she suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, a severe medical emergency that caused bleeding in her brain. Upon arrival at the Garibaldi Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, she was already unconscious, slipping into a coma. This condition posed an immediate danger to both her life and that of her unborn child. Medical staff acted swiftly, recognizing the urgency of the situation. Two days later, on March 16, they performed an emergency cesarean section to deliver her daughter, Rebecca Maria, at 32 weeks gestation. The baby, weighing 3 pounds and 6 ounces, was healthy and transferred to the neonatology ward for care. Ivana, however, remained in a coma, her prognosis uncertain. Her husband, Paolo, and their older daughter, Giuditta, could only wait and pray. This medical ordeal sets the stage for the extraordinary events Ivana later described.
Ivana’s Experience in the Coma
While unconscious, Ivana reported a vivid and unusual experience that she shared with Miracoli magazine after her recovery. She described the coma as beginning like a troubling dream, where she found herself surrounded by aimless, lifeless figures. Amid this unsettling scene, she saw a figure she identified as Pope John Paul II, who had died in 2005 and was beatified in 2011. According to Ivana, he was seated on her hospital bed, calling her toward him. She approached and pleaded with him not to let her die, expressing her fear and desperation. Ivana recounted that he smiled at her—a smile she connected to his famous words, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ!”—which he had spoken during his papacy. This reassurance calmed her, and she felt supported by his presence. The interaction, as she described it, was not a fleeting vision but a prolonged encounter. It included a conversation and shared prayer, which she believed sustained her through the coma. This account raises questions about the nature of such experiences within a Catholic framework.
The Apparition of Karol Wojtyla
Ivana’s description of the figure as Karol Wojtyla, rather than Pope John Paul II in his papal role, adds a unique detail to her story. She noted that he was not dressed in white papal vestments but appeared in a simpler form. During their exchange, he asked if she recognized him, to which she replied affirmatively. He then clarified that he was no longer the pope, identifying himself only as Karol Wojtyla. This distinction may reflect his humility or her perception of him as a personal intercessor rather than an institutional figure. A lighthearted moment occurred when Ivana struggled to recall the name of the current pope, who was Pope Francis, recently elected in March 2013. She mistakenly suggested “Alexander,” and Wojtyla corrected her. This detail suggests a conversational tone to the encounter, blending the serious with the human. From a Catholic perspective, such apparitions are not uncommon in personal testimonies, though they require careful discernment. Ivana’s experience aligns with the Church’s understanding of saints as intercessors who can appear to the faithful in times of need.
Prayer and the Breath of Jesus
The heart of Ivana’s account lies in the prayer she shared with Wojtyla during her coma. She described sitting beside him on the bed, resting her head on his shoulder as they prayed together. They invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a common practice in Catholic devotion. Ivana felt Wojtyla’s hand on her forehead, a gesture she interpreted as comforting and protective. This prayer, she said, lasted for days—an impression that may reflect the timeless quality of her comatose state. At one point, Wojtyla told her he would leave but urged her to remain calm. As she struggled to breathe, she suddenly felt what she called “a breath of love” filling her lungs. She attributed this sensation to Jesus, believing it was a divine act that restored her life. This moment marked her awakening from the coma on March 29, 2013. Theologically, this aligns with Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit as the breath of life and the power of intercessory prayer (see CCC 2634-2636).
Awakening and Realization
When Ivana awoke, her first sensation was one of horror—she realized her womb was empty. Having been unconscious during the cesarean section, she had no immediate knowledge of her daughter’s birth. This initial distress quickly turned to relief when the head physician showed her photos of Rebecca in the incubator, taken by her husband, Paolo. Seeing her healthy newborn filled Ivana with gratitude and a sense of awe. She described the experience as supernatural, stating, “I understood that I had received the divine breath of Jesus. It was He who made me wake up.” She also acknowledged the doctors’ role, saying, “Then the doctors continued God’s work.” This balance of divine and human action reflects a Catholic understanding of God working through secondary causes, such as medical professionals. Ivana’s recovery was not only a physical awakening but also a spiritual one. She emerged from the coma with a renewed faith, entrusting her daughters to Wojtyla’s protection. Her story underscores the interplay between faith and science, a theme often explored in Catholic thought.
Medical Outcome and Lack of Damage
Remarkably, Ivana suffered no neurological damage despite the severity of her cerebral hemorrhage and prolonged coma. Cerebral hemorrhages often result in lasting impairments, such as motor deficits or cognitive decline, especially when untreated for days. The successful delivery of Rebecca at 32 weeks, followed by Ivana’s full recovery, defied typical medical expectations. Doctors at Garibaldi Hospital managed the emergency with skill, delivering a healthy premature infant and stabilizing Ivana. Yet, the absence of brain damage stood out as extraordinary. Ivana attributed this outcome to divine intervention, specifically the intercession of Wojtyla and the “breath of Jesus.” From a medical perspective, such recoveries are rare but not impossible, often depending on the hemorrhage’s location and extent. The Catholic Church, however, sees such outcomes as potential signs of God’s grace when linked to prayer or saintly intercession. Ivana’s case, while not officially investigated, fits the pattern of healings reported in miracle accounts. Her gratitude extended to both God and the medical team, highlighting a holistic view of healing.
Catholic Teaching on Apparitions
The Catholic Church approaches private apparitions, like Ivana’s, with caution and discernment. An apparition is a supernatural appearance of a saint, angel, or divine figure to a person, often conveying a message or offering aid. The Church distinguishes between public revelation, completed in Christ and the apostles, and private revelations, which do not add to doctrine but can strengthen faith (CCC 66-67). Ivana’s experience falls into the latter category, as it was personal and not intended for universal acceptance. The Church evaluates such claims based on their consistency with doctrine, the credibility of the witness, and any resulting spiritual fruit. Ivana’s account aligns with Catholic teaching on saints as intercessors and the power of prayer, showing no theological contradictions. However, it lacks formal ecclesiastical review, a necessary step for official recognition. Historically, approved apparitions, such as those at Lourdes, undergo rigorous scrutiny. Ivana’s story, while compelling, remains a private testimony unless investigated further. Catholics are free to believe or doubt such experiences without obligation.
The Role of Saints in Intercession
Central to Ivana’s story is the Catholic belief in the intercession of saints. The Church teaches that saints, having attained heaven, can pray for those on earth, acting as mediators before God (CCC 956). Saint John Paul II, beatified in 2011 and canonized in 2014, is a prominent figure in this tradition. Ivana’s encounter occurred after his beatification but before his canonization, a period when his intercessory power was already recognized. Her plea to Wojtyla not to let her die reflects trust in his ability to intercede. The Church holds that saints do not perform miracles themselves; rather, God acts through their prayers. Ivana’s attribution of her recovery to Jesus, facilitated by Wojtyla’s presence, fits this theology. The “breath of love” she felt could symbolize the Holy Spirit, often depicted as breath or wind in scripture (John 20:22). This belief comforts many Catholics facing crises, offering hope through the communion of saints. Ivana’s experience reinforces this doctrine in a personal, tangible way.
Miracles in Catholic Tradition
The concept of miracles is foundational to Catholic faith, defined as extraordinary events attributable to God’s direct intervention (CCC 548). Healings, like Ivana’s, are among the most common miracle claims, often linked to saintly intercession. For a healing to be declared a miracle by the Church, it must be instantaneous, complete, lasting, and inexplicable by natural means. Ivana’s recovery meets some of these criteria—her awakening was sudden, her health fully restored, and no brain damage persisted. However, without a formal medical investigation, it’s unclear if science could explain her case. The Church’s process for verifying miracles, as seen in John Paul II’s canonization, involves expert panels and rigorous analysis. Two miracles were attributed to him: the healing of a French nun from Parkinson’s disease and a Costa Rican woman from a brain aneurysm. Ivana’s story, though similar, has not undergone this scrutiny. It remains a personal miracle claim, not an official one. Such accounts inspire faith but require discernment to distinguish divine action from coincidence.
The Process of Miracle Verification
The Catholic Church has a structured process for verifying miracles, especially for canonization or official recognition. It begins with a diocesan investigation, where the local bishop collects testimony and medical evidence. In Ivana’s case, this would involve the Diocese of Catania gathering her account, hospital records, and doctor statements. The case then moves to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, where medical and theological experts review it. For a healing to qualify, it must lack a natural explanation, a determination made by physicians, including non-Catholics, to ensure objectivity. If approved, the pope may declare it a miracle. Ivana’s experience, reported in 2013, has not been submitted for this process, likely remaining a private matter. The Church does not rush to affirm such claims, prioritizing accuracy over haste. This cautious approach protects the faithful from false hopes while affirming genuine signs of grace. Without investigation, Ivana’s story lacks official status but retains spiritual significance for her family.
Theological Significance of Ivana’s Experience
Ivana’s encounter carries theological weight within Catholicism, particularly regarding hope and divine mercy. Her plea to Wojtyla reflects trust in God’s compassion, mediated through a saint. The “breath of Jesus” she described echoes the life-giving Spirit in scripture (Genesis 2:7), symbolizing renewal. Her recovery during Holy Week—awakening on March 29, near Good Friday—adds a layer of meaning, tying her healing to Christ’s resurrection. Catholic theology sees suffering and redemption as intertwined, a theme Ivana’s story embodies. Her gratitude to both God and doctors aligns with the Church’s view of grace working through human effort. The absence of neurological damage suggests a complete restoration, mirroring the wholeness Christ offers. While not a doctrine-defining event, it illustrates how faith can sustain believers in crisis. Ivana’s entrustment of her daughters to Wojtyla further shows ongoing reliance on his intercession. This personal testimony enriches Catholic spirituality without requiring official validation.
Human and Divine Collaboration
Ivana emphasized the collaboration between divine intervention and human skill, stating, “There was the human and the divine, which together form a miracle.” This perspective reflects Catholic teaching that God often works through natural means (CCC 301). The doctors’ expertise delivered Rebecca and stabilized Ivana, yet she saw a supernatural hand in her awakening and recovery. This balance avoids attributing everything to miracles while acknowledging God’s presence. The Church teaches that science and faith are complementary, not opposed. Ivana’s case exemplifies this, as medical intervention saved her life, but her experience points beyond the physical. Her husband’s photos of Rebecca bridged the gap between her coma and consciousness, grounding the supernatural in the tangible. This synergy comforts Catholics, showing that God acts within the world, not apart from it. Ivana’s story thus serves as a lived example of this doctrine. It invites reflection on how faith interprets extraordinary outcomes.
The Role of Prayer in Healing
Prayer is a cornerstone of Ivana’s narrative, both in her coma and likely among her family during her ordeal. She and Wojtyla prayed together, invoking Mary’s intercession, a practice rooted in Catholic tradition (CCC 2673-2679). This communal aspect of prayer connects to the Church’s belief in the power of the faithful’s petitions. Ivana’s husband and daughter, though not mentioned praying explicitly, likely sought divine help during her hospitalization. The timing of her awakening—after days of prayer in her vision—suggests a correlation between supplication and recovery. Catholic theology holds that prayer opens the heart to God’s will, whether for healing or strength. Ivana’s “breath of love” could be seen as an answer to this prayer, mediated by Wojtyla. While not provable, this link resonates with countless Catholic healing stories. It underscores prayer’s role as a lifeline in suffering. Ivana’s faith in this process shaped her interpretation of events.
Spiritual Fruit of the Experience
The Church evaluates private revelations by their spiritual fruit—whether they lead to greater faith, hope, and charity (CCC 801). Ivana’s experience produced clear fruit: gratitude, trust in God, and devotion to Wojtyla. Her recovery strengthened her family’s bond, as she resumed caring for Giuditta and Rebecca. She expressed no bitterness over her ordeal, only thankfulness for both divine and medical aid. This positive outcome aligns with Catholic criteria for authentic spiritual experiences. Her story, shared publicly, may inspire others to seek saintly intercession in crises. While not a call to universal belief, it offers a model of resilience through faith. Ivana’s entrustment of her daughters to Wojtyla suggests a lasting spiritual impact. The absence of theological error in her account further supports its authenticity as a personal grace. This fruit validates her experience within a Catholic lens, even without formal recognition.
Why No Official Miracle Declaration?
Despite its compelling nature, Ivana’s case has not been declared an official miracle by the Church. Several factors explain this. First, no formal investigation has been initiated, a prerequisite for recognition. The Diocese of Catania would need to begin this process, likely at Ivana’s or her family’s request. Second, the Church prioritizes miracles for canonization or major devotional purposes, and Wojtyla was already canonized by 2014. Ivana’s 2013 experience, while post-beatification, does not serve this purpose. Third, the Church exercises caution to avoid sensationalism, requiring exhaustive evidence. Medical records and witness testimonies would need scrutiny, a step not yet taken. Finally, private revelations need not be officially affirmed to hold personal meaning. Ivana’s story remains a testimony of faith, not a public miracle, reflecting the Church’s discerning approach.
Broader Context of John Paul II’s Intercession
Ivana’s experience fits into a broader pattern of healings attributed to Saint John Paul II. His canonization rested on two verified miracles: a French nun’s recovery from Parkinson’s in 2005 and a Costa Rican woman’s healing from a brain aneurysm in 2011. Both underwent rigorous investigation, meeting the Church’s strict criteria. Ivana’s case shares similarities—sudden recovery from a brain-related condition after prayer—but lacks formal review. John Paul II’s reputation as an intercessor grew after his death, with many reporting answered prayers. His personal suffering from Parkinson’s and his pastoral care for the sick enhance his appeal as a helper in illness. Ivana’s encounter, though unverified, echoes these accounts, reinforcing his legacy. The Church does not require every claim to be proven, allowing personal devotion to flourish. This context frames Ivana’s story as part of a larger narrative of faith. It highlights why such experiences resonate with Catholics worldwide.
Implications for Catholic Faith
Ivana’s story invites Catholics to reflect on the mysteries of suffering, prayer, and divine action. It illustrates how faith can transform a medical crisis into a spiritual encounter. Her trust in Wojtyla and Jesus offers a model for turning to saints in distress. The lack of neurological damage challenges believers to consider God’s power over nature, even if not officially confirmed. Her emphasis on human-divine collaboration bridges faith and reason, a key Catholic principle. The story also underscores the personal nature of private revelations, which need not bind all believers. It encourages gratitude for both spiritual and physical healing, as Ivana expressed. For some, it may deepen devotion to John Paul II, already a beloved saint. For others, it prompts discernment about extraordinary claims. Ultimately, it affirms the Catholic hope that God remains near, even in the darkest moments.
Conclusion
Ivana Greco’s experience—giving birth in a coma and waking after an apparition of Saint John Paul II—blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. Her cerebral hemorrhage in March 2013 threatened her life and her unborn child’s, yet both emerged unharmed. She credits her recovery to Wojtyla’s intercession and Jesus’ “breath of love,” a claim rooted in Catholic theology. The Church has not declared this a miracle, requiring formal investigation that has not occurred. Nonetheless, her story aligns with teachings on saints, prayer, and God’s grace through human means. It produced spiritual fruit—faith, gratitude, and trust—consistent with authentic revelations. Whether a miracle or a personal grace, it reflects the Catholic belief in a God who acts in history. Ivana’s full recovery and healthy daughter stand as testaments to this faith. Her account, while unverified, enriches the tapestry of Catholic testimony. It invites believers to ponder the unseen ways God may work through saints like John Paul II.