In a long awaited decision in Venezuela, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the glorification of the so-called Doctor of the Poor, according to a communiqué released by the Vatican press.

The text was reproduced in its entirely by Foreign Minister Ivan Gil through a link to the Vatican News portal of the Holy See, which announced that the Holy Father Francis stipulated it after the audience granted at the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, where he is hospitalized.

In an audiovisual message, the Archbishop of Caracas, Monsignor Raul Biord, said “our dear Pope Francis approved the positive opinion of Cardinals and Bishops of the Dicastery for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization approved the virtues of our dear Blessed Jose Gregorio, who will be a Saint very soon.”

He pointed out that the Supreme Pontiff will summon “a consistory of cardinals where they will announce the date of canonization.”

He also asked God for “much health and life to our beloved Pope Francis and that soon we celebrate a canonization mass in Rome, Italy, and in Caracas a solemn mass to thank God for this great gift.”

The Archdiocese of Caracas stressed that the canonization of Jose Gregorio “is not only a recognition of his exemplary life and heroic virtues, but also represents a long-awaited desire of the Venezuelan people’.

He recalled that the cause of Hernandez began shortly after his death in an accident in 1919 and left a legacy and devotion for his figure that is maintained by the Venezuelan people and other Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Last night in his program Con Maduro +, the President sent a message of support to Pope Francis for his speedy recovery, in which he indicated that “our prayers are today and always with you we admire you and love you very much.”

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