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Kansas Priest Could Be First US Military Saint
26 May
Summary
- A Kansas priest died in a North Korean prison camp in 1951.
- He is now on track to become America's first military saint.
- Two miracles must be verified by the Catholic Church for canonization.
A Catholic priest from Kansas, Father Emil Kapaun, died alone in a North Korean prison camp on May 24, 1951. Now, 75 years later, he is on the path to becoming America's first military saint. The Vatican has taken the first formal step, recognizing that he gave his life for his fellow prisoners during the Korean War.
Kapaun, born in 1916, served as a chaplain during World War II and the Korean War. He was known for running into firefights to rescue wounded soldiers. After being captured in November 1950, he continued to care for fellow prisoners, defying guards and providing spiritual guidance. His health deteriorated, and he was taken to the camp's "hospital" where prisoners knew most people died.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama in 2013. His remains were identified and returned to Kansas in 2021. For Father Kapaun to be canonized, the Catholic Church must verify two miracles attributed to him. If successful, he will be the first American military figure to achieve sainthood.
