A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised this gesture as “further strengthening the fraternal ties” between the Bolivarian Republic and the universal Catholic Church.

It also praised its message of reconciliation, humanity, and encounter among nations.

The official statement celebrated “with profound joy the canonization of the first Venezuelan saints,” an event it considered “a spiritual and historic event that honors the living faith of our people and strengthens the soul of the nation.”

It noted that Hernandez, the doctor of the poor, and Rendiles, a tireless servant of the Gospel, “embody the noblest virtues of our identity: humility, hard work, compassion, and love of neighbor.”

Their lives, it emphasized, are “testimonies that human greatness is born of service, kindness, and solidarity.” The statement also expressed its profound gratitude to Pope Francis, who with pastoral wisdom promoted the causes of sainthood of these two exemplary Venezuelans, recognizing In them, the simple faith and spiritual strength of the humble peoples of Our America.

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