Pedro Herrero Rubio facts for kids

Pedro Herrero Rubio (born April 29, 1904 – died November 5, 1978) was a kind Spanish pediatrician. He was also a devoted Catholic. Pedro studied medicine in Madrid, Paris, and Brussels. After his studies, he returned to his hometown of Alicante, Spain. He worked there as a children's doctor for his entire life.

During the Spanish Civil War, Pedro was arrested. But the people of Alicante quickly demanded his release. They knew how much he helped them. Pedro spent his life helping poor families. He often visited neighborhoods to care for sick children. He earned many awards for his amazing work. In 2017, Pope Francis recognized him as "Venerable" for living a very good and holy life.

Early Life and Education

Pedro Herrero Rubio was born in Alicante, Spain, on April 29, 1904. He was the only child of Pedro Herrero Martínez and Emilia Rubio Cabrera.

Pedro first studied with the Marists in Alicante. Then, he went to the Santo Domingo de los Jesuitas school in Orihuela. There, he studied with the Jesuits. In 1924, he began studying medicine in Madrid. He attended the Facultad de San Carlos at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Becoming a Children's Doctor

Pedro first thought about specializing in women's health. But he soon decided to become a pediatrician, a doctor for children. He even received a scholarship to study in Paris in 1927. He also studied in Brussels.

Pedro was a student of famous people. One was Santiago Ramón y Cajal, who won a Nobel Prize. Another was Juan Negrín López, who later became a Prime Minister.

Helping His Community

After finishing his studies, Pedro returned to Alicante. He dedicated his life to helping the poor people there. He often worked with the Red Cross. Pedro used his own money and supplies to help families who could not afford medical care.

He visited poorer neighborhoods often to check on sick children. Pedro also helped children who were very ill by baptizing them. He did this even if their families were not Catholic.

Family Life

Pedro married Patrocinio Javaloy Lizón on April 29, 1931. They did not have any children.

Challenges During the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War was a difficult time for many. During this war, people who were religious faced problems. Pedro had to attend secret Masses to practice his faith.

In 1937, Pedro was arrested in Alicante. He was taken to Valencia and held in a former convent that was used as a prison. But the people of Alicante remembered his kindness. Women and workers demanded his release. Because of their support, he was set free in 1938. After his release, he continued to help people. He cared for those who were hurt in the war.

Awards and Recognition

From 1954 to 1960, Pedro served as a councilor in Alicante. The governor chose him because of his good character and dedication. He was not chosen for political reasons.

Pedro received many awards for his service. In October 1970, he joined an important medical commission. In October 1974, he received a golden medal for his work. In June 1976, he was given the First Class Cross and White Badge of the Civil Order of Charity. He was also named an "Illustrious Son of Alicante." These honors recognized his great impact on the lives of others.

His Passing and Legacy

Pedro suffered a hernia during a train trip. He was taken to the hospital and found to have an intestinal obstruction. He went into surgery but sadly passed away during the operation. This happened at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona on November 5, 1978.

At his funeral, Bishop Pablo Barrachina Estevan spoke. He announced that he would begin the process to make Pedro a saint. This showed how much people respected Pedro's holy life.

Path to Sainthood

Bishop Pedro Barrachina Estevan started the process for Pedro's beatification. In 1991, Bishop Francisco Álvarez Martínez continued these steps. Pedro became known as a "Servant of God" on January 28, 1997. This happened after the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved the cause.

The local church process began in 1997 and finished in 1998. In 2011, a special report called the "Positio" was sent to the Vatican. This report contained documents and stories about Pedro's life. It showed how he lived a very holy life.

Becoming Venerable

On February 27, 2017, Pope Francis confirmed that Pedro had lived a life of "heroic virtue." This means he showed great goodness and faith. Because of this, Pedro was given the title of "Venerable."

For Pedro to become "Blessed" (the next step to sainthood), a miracle is usually needed. This miracle must be something that science and medicine cannot explain. One such case has already been investigated.

The person currently in charge of this cause is Dr. Silvia Mónica Correale.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro Herrero Rubio para niños