Lazarus is the leper beggar protagonist of the parable of Jesus: Lazarus and the rich Epulon, reported only from the Gospel of Luke (16.19-31). It should not be confused with Lazarus of Bethany, resurrected by Jesus. The tradition of the Catholic Church venerates him as a patron saint of leprosy patients; also because, being the only character in the parables of Jesus to be indicated by a proper name, many believe that the story refers to a person who really existed. The lazzaretti owe their name to him, and many towns around these ancient hospitals have Lazarus as patron.