Son of Catholic influencer, prayed for by thousands, dies January 6, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: News, social media, World News The 5-year-old son of Catholic influencer Paul J. Kim succumbed to influenza and sepsis after tens of thousands of people rallied in prayer at the end of December, praying for Micah’s healing. Kim, a popular Catholic speaker and musical artist, announced his son’s Dec. 31 death in an emotional two-part Instagram video message posted Jan. 1, quoting several Scripture passages and stressing his unbroken faith amid his loss. On Dec. 21, Kim had called for prayers for Micah, saying in a written message on Instagram the child was “having a medical emergency right now” and was “headed to the hospital in an ambulance.” Over the following days, Kim had posted updates — including images of Micah in his hospital bed — and additional requests for prayers to “storm heaven,” seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph, St. Michael and the angels and saints. The prayer campaign and Kim’s daily social media updates attracted tens of thousands of participants around the world — with Catholics and non-Catholics alike interceding for Micah’s recovery, said Kim. On Dec. 22, Kim posted on Instagram that Micah was “currently on life support,” and asked for “prayers for a miracle” through the intercession of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen — “or for the grace to peacefully surrender our amazing little boy to the arms of the Heavenly Father who gifted us with him and redeemed Him through Christ our Lord.” In his Jan. 1 Instagram video updates, announcing his son’s passing the previous day, Kim said he believed, “God is using the life of my 5-year-old to truly save souls and change the world.” Kim pointed to “people from all around the world” and from “every continent, praying for my boy throughout this ordeal.” He thanked everyone for their prayers. Read More World News Pope Leo XIV meets with evacuated Tehran cardinal as U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran continue ‘Rebirth’ art project offers counternarrative for Father Rupnik accusers, abuse survivors Sen. Hawley introduces bill to revoke FDA approval of abortion pill Amid deadly Midwest storms, a chapel is left undamaged, and faith, hope remain strong Faith, flowers: Special rules keep God’s house simply beautiful U.S. peacebuilding a ‘strategic and moral imperative,’ advocates say at Notre Dame event Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
