Of course he was Jewish  !    My point !
Has anyone ever been declaimed a "saint " who committed a miracle other than an RC ?
Could someone explain to me who has done more for humanity at his family's peril than Salk ? 
I grew-up in the 50's when polio caused quarantines. (for those oblivious to this do your own research)
There's an old engineering expression - NIH - not invented here....
If you aint catholic - you are a substintant.