Leo XIV highlights the dedication to the most needy of Blessed Gregorio Hernández against doctors from Latin America

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the “dedication to the most needy” by the Venezuelan doctor José Gregorio Hernández – benefified in 2021 and whose canonization will be held in October 2025 -, before a delegation of the Latin American and Caribbean medical confederation.

“I consider it a good example for you,” said the Pontiff in his speech to this agency, which brings together more than two million health professionals.

Leo XIV wanted to value how the so -called doctor of the poor knew how to “combine their high medical competence with their dedication to the most needy.”

The Holy Father started his speech remembering the liturgical memory of the Holy Custodians, linking it to the mission of doctors, called, ”he said – to accompany, take care and protect the lives of those who suffer. “Dialogue, communication and physical contact must always be present in the therapeutic relationship, beyond the instruments and tools used,” he said.

Citing a passage from the Gospel of St. Mark, the Pope stressed that Jesus “not only cured with a gesture, but also established a personal relationship with the sick.” That attitude, he added, is a model for those who exercise medicine, because “the one who could not be touched find in a caress of Jesus health and salvation.”

The Pontiff also referred to the challenges posed by new technologies in medical practice. Thus, he acknowledged that artificial intelligence “can and should be a great help to improve clinical assistance,” but warned that “you can never take the doctor’s place, because you are love reserves, who take serenity and hope to those who suffer.”

Finally, he entrusted to health professionals to Christ and the Virgin Mary wishing them strength to face “the great and stimulating challenges” of contemporary medicine.