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Pope Leo XIV canonized José Gregorio Hernández, Venezuela’s “doctor of the poor,” giving the South American nation its first saint.

The 19th century physician refused payment from poor patients and often gave them money for medicine, earning him widespread Venezuelan devotion.

The celebration offers Venezuela a moment of joy amid a years-long economic crisis and a rising U.S. military threat.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV canonized Venezuela’s beloved “doctor of the poor” Sunday before tens of thousands of people, offering the South American nation its first saint and a reason to celebrate amid a years-long economic crisis and a rising U.S. military threat.

José Gregorio Hernánde

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