Pope Leo the XIV has taken a significant step in the Catholic Church’s recognition of one of America’s most beloved religious figures. The Vatican announced today that Father Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, has been granted the title “Venerable.”
The designation marks an important milestone in the path toward sainthood, recognizing Father Flanagan’s life of heroic virtue and dedication to helping disadvantaged and at-risk children. Church officials say the decision follows years of careful review of his life, writings, and impact.
“In this, the 100th anniversary of Catholic Charities’ founding in Omaha, it is fitting that Father Edward Flanagan, an Omaha priest and a model of Christian charity, be recognized by the Holy See. This is the next step in Father Flanagan’s cause for sainthood, which began in 2012,” says Omaha Archbishop of Omaha Michael McGovern.
He says in the future a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in response to his declaration. Father Flanagan founded Boys Town in Nebraska in 1917, creating a community designed to care for and educate orphaned and troubled boys.
His work later expanded to serve children of all backgrounds, and the organization continues today as a nationally recognized leader in child and family services. In a statement, Vatican representatives highlighted Flanagan’s unwavering belief that “there is no such thing as a bad child,” a philosophy that shaped his approach to care and rehabilitation.
The title “Venerable” is the second of four steps in the canonization process. The next stage, beatification, would require verification of a miracle attributed to Father Flanagan’s intercession.
(Photo: Archdiocese of Omaha)