Pope Declares Father Flanagan Venerable

On March 23rd, Pope Leo XIV declared father Edward Flanagan venerable on Monday, advancing

the sing-hood cause for the founder of Boys, Town.

The Irish-born priest dedicated his life in the early 20th century to helping homeless

and troubled kids in Omaha, Nebraska.

His work gained worldwide fame through the 1938 movie Boys Town, where Spencer Tracy,

won an Academy Award for playing him.

Flanagan's approach focused on good environments to guide young people right.

He earned international respect, visiting Japan and Korea in 1947 to check on child welfare,

then heading to Austria and Germany the next year.

Sadly, he died there from a heart attack on May 15, 1948 and is buried at Boys Town.

The Pope also approved the adification for Italian cardinal Ludovico Altieri, who cared

for cholera victims in 1867 and declared for.

Flanagan's venerable, including a French priest, a Polish missionary sister, a Spanish nun,

and an Italian layman.

This recognition highlights heroic virtues in their lives, moving them closer to St.

Hood through the church's steps of investigation and miracles.

Flanagan's legacy continues to inspire child welfare efforts today.