Pope Francis Confirms Canonization of Venezuela's First Saint

Pope Francis has confirmed the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández, a Venezuelan physician known as the Doctor of the Poor, making him the first saint from the South American nation. The announcement has filled Venezuelans with joy, with many hoping for the canonization to take place in 2025, coinciding with the ordinary Jubilee convened by the Pope.

Why this matters: The canonization of José Gregorio Hernández marks a significant moment for Venezuela and its Catholic community, highlighting the country's rich cultural and religious heritage. This development also underscores the Pope's efforts to promote unity and reconciliation in a region facing political and economic challenges.

During a meeting with Venezuelan ambassador to the Vatican Franklin Zeltzer, Pope Francis said, "We are going to canonize him." The confirmation came after the ambassador presented the Pope with a statue of José Gregorio Hernández, sent by President Nicolás Maduro.

José Gregorio Hernández was born in 1864 in Isnotu, Venezuela, and graduated as a medical doctor from Venezuela's Central University. He continued his studies in Paris, specializing in bacteriology, pathology, microbiology, histology, and physiology. Hernández was renowned for his dedication to hispatients, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

Hernández was beatified on April 30, 2021, at the San Juan Bautista Church in Caracas, a significant step towards sainthood. With Pope Francis' confirmation, he will be officially recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Legislator Doly Hernández expressed gratitude to President Nicolas Maduro for his commitment to the cause of Hernández's sanctification and for personally requesting the Pope to consider his canonization. "Venezuelans are filled with joy for this announcement, which we hope will materialize in 2025,"she said.

The canonization of José Gregorio Hernández is expected to take place in 2025, coinciding with the ordinary Jubilee convened by Pope Francis. Hernández passed away in 1919, and his legacy as a compassionate physician and devout Catholic has endured for over a century. The confirmation of his sainthood marks a historic moment for Venezuela and its Catholic community.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis confirms canonization of José Gregorio Hernández, Venezuela's "Doctor of the Poor".
• Hernández becomes the first saint from Venezuela, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage.
• Canonization expected to take place in 2025, coinciding with the ordinary Jubilee.
• Hernández was a renowned physician who dedicated his life to helping the poor.
• Venezuelans rejoice at the announcement, hoping for unity and reconciliation.