With Pope Francis entering his fourth week in hospital, those working in the Apostolic Palace are grappling with the continuing uncertainty over the pope’s health. The same is true for everyone in the Vatican.

With his canonization, José Gregorio Hernández not only becomes the first Venezuelan saint, but also a symbol of faith and hope for all of Latin America. His life and work will continue to inspire generations of believers and health professionals, reminding them that true holiness is also found in service to others.

The election of a new pope is a complex process involving hundreds of cardinals that can stretch up to weeks on end. But the general public seems to have found its own way to show support for their pontiffs of choice.

Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian polyglot who entered the seminary at just 14, is currently pitted as favourite to replace Francis as the pope is still in hospital.

The reason for the visit was announced today: The Holy Father authorized the decrees designating five persons as servants of God and approved the canonization of Venezuelan Blessed José Gregorio Hernández and Italian Blessed Bartolo Longo.

Venezuelan Catholics attended cheerful Masses and held processions on Feb. 26, the day after Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, a 19th-c

Renowned Korean War military chaplain and Kansas native Emil Joseph Kapaun was declared “venerable” by Pope Francis on Tuesday.

Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation of various decrees for the Causes of Saints, advancing the causes of canonization for US military chaplain Fr Emil Kapaun; Italian layman Bartolo Longo, the “Apostle of the Rosary” and five others.