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.

A man revered by millions as the “doctor of the poor” will be the first saint from Venezuela. Pope Francis approved a decree Tuesday but did not set a date for the canonization of Dr.

Blessed José Gregorio Hernández is known at the ‘doctor of the poor.’ Also to be canonized: Blessed Bartolo Longo. Additional causes were moved forward, including now-Venerable Emil Kapaun.

Venezuela will soon have its first saint, after ailing Pope Francis on Tuesday canonized a physician who died more than 100 years ago, revered for his selfless service during a previous pandemic. Francis approved the canonization of Hernandez and another new saint from his hospital bed in Rome,