The Vatican Declares Venezuelan 'Doctor of the Poor' a Saint

The Vatican announced today, Sunday, the canonization of Doctor José Gregorio Hernández, known by the title 'Doctor of the Poor', during a grand celebration held in St. Peter's Square, thus becoming the first saint in the history of Venezuela.

A Majestic Celebration in St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV presided over the beatification ceremony in front of a massive crowd estimated at around 55,000 people, who came from various parts of the world, including thousands of Venezuelans waving their national flags in celebration of this historic event.
The Pope's announcement received a wide reaction from the attendees who applauded warmly when the official Latin text for the beatification of the Venezuelan doctor José Gregorio Hernández was pronounced, who was known for his dedication to treating the poor and needy.

A Beloved Saint in the Hearts of Venezuelans

Hernández is considered one of the most respected figures in Venezuela, as he was a doctor who dedicated his life to serving the poor and was known for his humility and humanity.
He is referred to as 'the saintly doctor' among his compatriots who see him as a symbol of hope and social solidarity, especially amid the economic and political crises the country has been facing for years.

Wide Participation within Venezuela

In conjunction with the Vatican ceremonies, thousands of Venezuelans in the capital Caracas followed the mass via live broadcast in public squares, where citizens gathered before dawn on Sunday local time to celebrate the historic event that brought joy to their hearts.

The Symbolism of the Event

This announcement grants Venezuela its first saint in its history, at a time when the country is going through difficult economic conditions and escalating political tensions with the United States, making the beatification a rare moment of national unity among the Venezuelan people who found in the 'Doctor of the Poor' a spiritual and popular role model.