Delcy Rodríguez Asks Pope Leo XIV for Mother María de San José Canonization
Delcy Rodríguez formally requested Pope Leo XIV to advance the canonization of Blessed María de San José and the beatification process of Bishop Salvador Montes de Oca in a letter dated October 11, 2026.
The correspondence, released publicly on October 21, 2026, conveys the spiritual desire of the Venezuelan faithful to elevate the nation’s first beatified woman to full sainthood alongside San José Gregorio Hernández and Santa Carmen Rendiles.
Letter Sent to the Vatican Highlighting Historical Church Figures
The communication addressed to the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican emphasizes the enduring legacy of Madre María de San José, who was beatified on May 7, 1995, by Pope John Paul II in recognition of her lifelong dedication to the sick and impoverished, according to Noticia Al Día.
Alongside the canonization request, the official text reiterates government backing for the cause of Bishop Salvador Montes de Oca. Montes de Oca has been recognized as a Servant of God and endured exile during the dictatorship of Juan Vicente Gómez before suffering martyrdom in Italy at the hands of Nazi SS troops in 1944.
The diplomatic communication also formally acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian work carried out by Caritas and the Holy See.
Humanitarian Gratitude and Prayers for the Pontiff
The official correspondence extends deep appreciation to the Vatican and Catholic networks for deploying immediate assistance to families left destitute by the double earthquake that struck regions of the country on June 24, 2026.
Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez writes to Pope Leo XIV, asking for the canonization of María de San José, the first Venezuelan blessed.The acting president made public on X the letter, dated October 11, which also backs the beatification cause of Salvador Montes de Oca, killed by… pic.twitter.com/AUHwCIj63j
In addition to addressing ecclesiastical causes and disaster recovery, the letter conveys formal wishes for the successful upcoming surgical procedure and rapid recovery of Pope Leo XIV.
With renewed faith, aspiramos a que la Madre María de San José se una en el santoral a San José Gregorio Hernández y Santa Carmen Rendiles. Transmitimos el ferviente anhelo de nuestro pueblo y agradecemos la solidaridad de la Iglesia católica con las familias afectadas por el reciente terremoto,
stated Delcy Rodríguez.
Government and Catholic Church Strengthen Diplomatic Cooperation
The renewed diplomatic push to advance these religious causes is designed to strengthen ongoing cooperation between the national government and the hierarchy of the Venezuelan Catholic Church.
Technical follow-up commissions will maintain active communication with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican to monitor and support the evaluation files currently under review.