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,

Venezuela will soon have its first saint ... where he is being treated for double pneumonia, the Vatican said. Following the pontiff's approval, canonization is usually formalized at a special mass in honor of the new saint.

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.

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.

Around the world, prayers and services are being held in support of the pontiff. In the Vatican, people gathered in St. Peter's Square. In Rome, flowers and tributes were left outside the Gemelli Polyclinic, where the Pope is being treated. The Archbishop of the City of Buenos Aires, Jorge Garcia Cuerva, led a mass for the health of the Pope.