Pope Francis has given the green light for the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, a Venezuelan physician celebrated for his commitment to serving the poor. This decision marks Hernández as Venezuela's first saint.

Hernández, often referred to as the "doctor of the poor," dedicated his life to aiding those without access to medical care. Born in 1864 in Isnotú, Venezuela, he pursued studies in Europe, focusing on bacteriology—a pioneering field at that time.

Upon returning to Venezuela, Hernández played a significant role at the José María Vargas Hospital in Caracas. He established the country's first bacteriology laboratory and was among the founding members of the Venezuelan Academy of Medicine in 1904.

Despite his professional achievements, Hernández prioritized helping vulnerable individuals by providing free medical care and spiritual support. His faith led him to join the Third Order of Saint Francis as a layman. Although health issues prevented him from becoming a priest, he maintained a strong spiritual life.

In 2023, during a general audience, Pope Francis highlighted Hernández’s legacy: "It was natural for him to care for those who were begging on the streets and were in dire need of the love he freely received from Jesus every day," adding that this compassion stemmed from "intimacy with God."

Hernández passed away on June 29, 1919, after being hit by a car while delivering medicine to an impoverished patient. His funeral drew approximately 20,000 attendees.

The process for his canonization began in 1949. He was declared venerable in 1986 and beatified in April 2021 following recognition of a miracle attributed to him—the healing of a young girl who had been shot in the head.

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