Vatican, April 02 (teleSUR-RHC) The Vatican approved the start of the process of naming a new saint, Brazilian Archbishop Dom Helder Camara who was best known for his left-leaning perspectives and extensive work with the poor, according to media reports this week.

Camara was a key Catholic leader in Brazil during the country's military dictatorship (1964-1985), and passed away in August, 1999 at the age of 90.

The Archbishop, who was known as “bishop of the slums,” famously said: “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist.” This supported his liberal theology beliefs, which posits that Christ did not seek liberation from sin but from every type of oppression.

The Vatican's Congregation of the Causes of Saints will begin the sainthood process starting with investigations into Camada diocese in Olinde and Recife in Brazil, then hearing a formal presentation of his cause before the Vatican. The Causes of Saints approved the process on Feb. 25, after receiving a formal request from followers.