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.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A man revered by millions as the “doctor of the poor” will be the first saint from Venezuela after Pope Francis approved a decree Tuesday.

This Tuesday, the Vatican reported that Francis "has slept well all night."The Vatican's evening bulletin on Monday was more optimistic than in recent days, despite Francis, 88, battling pneumonia in both lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The Argentine, who underwent the removal of part of a lung when he was young, has been hospitalized since February 14, and doctors have indicated that his situation is uncertain, given his age, fragility,

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 have a Saint for the first time and devotees all over the country are in a frenzy of happiness.

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.

As speculation mounts over Pope Francis’ health, online betting platforms are witnessing a surge in wagers on who might succeed him. While the selection of a new pontiff is an intricate and time-consuming process managed by the College of Cardinals,