Pope Leo XIV canonizes Venezuela's first saint amid national crisis

Pope Leo XIV canonized Jose Gregorio Hernandez and Mother Carmen Rendiles Martinez, marking Venezuela's first saints amid ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical tensions. Hernandez, known as the "doctor of the poor," was celebrated for his selfless medical care to impoverished patients without accepting payment, and his legacy remains deeply revered in Venezuela. The canonization ceremony took place at St. Peter's Square, attended by thousands of Venezuelans in Rome and others watching a live broadcast in Caracas. Pope Francis had approved Hernandez's sainthood from his hospital bed, waiving the usual requirement for a confirmed miracle due to widespread veneration of Hernandez among the faithful. Alongside Venezuelan saints, the ceremony also recognized Papua New Guinea's first saint, Peter To Rot. Local clergy emphasize that the timing of the canonization serves as a spiritual beacon of hope and faith restoration for Venezuela during a period of national hardship.