Pope Francis has authorized the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, a Venezuelan physician known for his service to the poor. This decision will make Hernández Venezuela's first saint. Born in 1864 in Isnotú, Venezuela, Hernández was dedicated to helping those without access to medical care. He trained in bacteriology in Europe and later established Venezuela's first bacteriology laboratory at the José María Vargas Hospital in Caracas.

Hernández was one of the founding members of the Venezuelan Academy of Medicine in 1904. Despite his academic achievements, he focused on providing free medical treatment and spiritual support to vulnerable populations. His faith led him to join the Third Order of Saint Francis as a layman, although health issues prevented him from entering the priesthood.

In 2023, Pope Francis spoke about Hernández’s legacy during a general audience, emphasizing that Christians should actively address problems rather than just discuss them. "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," said Pope Francis. The Pope also highlighted that Hernández’s dedication stemmed from his own need for grace.

Hernández died on June 29, 1919, after being hit by a car while delivering medicine to a patient. His funeral was attended by an estimated 20,000 people. The canonization process began in 1949; he was declared venerable in 1986 and beatified in April 2021 following recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession—the healing of a young girl who had been shot in the head.

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