Miracles and Things That Aren't

Many children with Down syndrome are born with holes in their hearts. In many of those cases, the holes close by themselves as the children grow older.

Unless you meet the Pope, in which case USA Today has decided to clickbait it as a miracle.

The Pope asked my husband, 'How old is she? What's her name?' He told (the Pope) she has two holes in her heart. When we got home in May, we went back to the cardiologist for a check-up. One of the holes was completely closed and one was half the size."

I'm happy for this baby, and if the feelgood media wants to report on it as "the family believes it's a miracle," that's fine. But adequate reporting would include some basic medical facts. Rather than being inspirational, this story suggests Down syndrome and its complications require divine intervention, whereas we humans (perhaps using our God-given intelligence and, you know, science), are doing some pretty awesome things right here on earth.

If you want a miracle, on the other hand, here's one. John Boehner's resignation was reportedly inspired by the Pope.

Physical proximity + penitent tears + conversion (turning) https://t.co/WhB0wyqIDJ

— Kathleen E. Kennedy (@TheMedievalDrK) September 25, 2015

Amen.