A man revered by millions as the “doctor of the poor” will be the first saint from Venezuela after Pope Francis approved ... hope,” the Archdiocese of Caracas said in a statement.

Dr. Jose Gregorio Hernandez — known as the "doctor of the poor" — will soon become Venezuela's first saint. Pope Francis, the first South American pope, signed the decree for the canonization of Hernadez from a hospital in Rome on Tuesday. A date for his canonization has not been set.

Pope Francis remains in a critical condition, the Vatican has said in a medical update, with respiratory and kidney problems. Around the world, prayers and services are being held in support of the pontiff.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A man revered by millions as the “doctor of the poor” will be the first saint from Venezuela after Pope Francis approved a decree Tuesday. A date for the canonization of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, who died in 1919 ...

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A man revered by millions as the “doctor of the poor” will be the first saint from Venezuela after Pope Francis approved a decree Tuesday. A date for the ...

Figurines depicting physician Jose Gregorio Hernandez are displayed for sale at a church in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, after Pope Francis approved the canonization of the ...