Venezuela

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The feast of the Virgin of Coromoto is celebrated on Sept. 11. / La fiesta de la Virgen de Coromoto se celebra el 11 de septiembre.

A report released in late November by several United Nations’ agencies warned that the number of those suffering from hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean is at its highest point in 15 years.

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A Venezuelan doctor who treated patients during the Spanish flu pandemic and was one of the first to introduce microscopes to his nation’s hospitals was beatified April 30 in a ceremony held in Caracas.

In a video message released by the Vatican April 29, the pope said Hernández’s beatification “is a special blessing of God for Venezuela” and an example for Venezuelans to follow as they work toward reviving the country “with a spirit of reconciliation.”

The United Nations says about 4.5 million people have left Venezuela since 2015 to escape hyperinflation, high crime levels, food shortages and salaries that are lower than $10 per month.

Praying that Catholics would understand and act on “the inseparable bond” between love of God and love of neighbor, Pope Francis again appealed for a solution to the crisis in Venezuela.