During a meeting in Rome, Card. Pietro Parolin and Card. Baltazar Porras exchanged opinions on challenges facing Venezuela.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
“The same problems continue, and I don't know what the prospects are. Our proposal is for an internal, peaceful and democratic solution which counts on everyone's availability to dialogue and really find solutions.”
Before becoming the head of Vatican diplomacy, the Vatican's Secretary of State spent four years as apostolic nuncio to Venezuela. He believes the possible beatification of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández will help the country find shared points of encounter.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
“José Gregorio is in the heart of all Venezuelans, without discrimination of any kind, without political or other distinctions. Thus, we really are very happy for this cause to proceed, as it has been long-anticipated. It can truly benefit the country.”
In early 2020, a medical commission of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints verified a miracle granted through the intercession of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández. He was a Venezuelan medical doctor, whose reputation of holiness unites a highly polarized country.
CARD. BALTAZAR PORRAS
Apostolic Administrator of Caracas
“The commission of theologians and the commission of cardinals still have to take a few more steps before presenting the case to the pope. I think the most beautiful part of this has been the Venezuelan people's reaction to the news.”
SILVIA CORREALE
Postulator
“He had a virtuous life as a layman, coherence, and love for the poor. He was a doctor of international prestige and truly captured people's attention. In this moment, the devotion of the Venezuelan people is impressive.”
The case's progress has impelled new initiatives in the Archdiocese of Caracas.
CARD. BALTAZAR PORRAS
Apostolic Administrator of Caracas
“The case has given way in Caracas to the creation of the Vicariate for Sanctity. We have opened two or three cases of beatification. We've had to expand the team, the number of priests, because we have a number of requests to study.”
These are initiatives looking to promote hope in a country crying for peace and the defense of fundamental rights.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres
