Father Flanagan Closer to Sainthood

Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the "heroic virtues" of Rev. Edward Joseph Flanagan on Monday, moving the founder of Boys Town closer to sainthood. Commonly known as "Father Flanagan," he is now officially declared "venerable."

Born in Ballymoe, Ireland, in 1886, Flanagan immigrated to the U.S. and was ordained a priest in 1912. He established his first home for boys in Omaha in 1917, later founding the renowned Boys Town on a farm outside the city.

By the 1930s, Boys Town housed hundreds of boys and included educational facilities. Flanagan's philosophy, "There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment," is inscribed on his tomb. His impactful work was notably depicted in the 1938 film "Boys Town."

Following the Vatican's announcement, the Boys Town organization expressed joy, emphasizing Flanagan's belief in valuing and protecting children. The next steps toward sainthood are beatification, requiring a verified miracle through intercession, and then canonization.