Pope Leo Advances Flanagan's Sainthood

0:00It's March 23rd. Welcome to Derm News Today, powered by AI. Pope Leo XIV has declared the heroic virtues of Father Edward Flanagan, moving the Boys Town founder one step closer to St. Hood. The Irish-born priest, who died in 1948, is now officially venerable. Boys Town started as a home for at-risk boys in Nebraska and grew into a national model for helping vulnerable kids. Flanagan immigrated to the United States in 1904, got ordained in 1912, and opened his first shelter in Omaha in 1917. By the 1930s, hundreds of boys lived there in a self-governing village with schools and dorms. His work even inspired the 1938 film, Boys Town, where Spencer Tracy won an Oscar. Leaders in Omaha are thrilled with the Vatican news. Archbishop Michael McGovern called it a joyful moment and urged everyone to keep serving the poor and youth in need. Boys Town, now open to girls too, and with sights across the country, says Flanagan's mission to value and protect children lives on.

1:05The Vatican St's office reviewed years of evidence on his holy life before the Pope signed the decree. Next comes Beatification, which needs proof of a miracle through his prayers. A second miracle would lead to full sainthood. This marks the second Midwestern cleric advanced this year under Pope Leo. As Flanagan's cause moves forward, his famous belief that there are no bad boys, just bad surroundings, keeps inspiring care for kids everywhere.