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Pope Leo XIV Declares Father Flanagan Venerable, Advances Sainthood

3/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV declared Father Edward Flanagan venerable on March 23, 2026, advancing his sainthood process.
Edward Flanagan was born in 1886 in Ireland.
He founded Boys Town in Nebraska in 1917 to aid at-risk youth and promote inclusivity.
He gained national recognition after Spencer Tracy portrayed him in the 1938 film “Boys Town.”
The sainthood process requires two miracles for beatification and canonization.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV declared Father Edward Flanagan venerable on March 23, 2026, advancing his sainthood process.
Edward Flanagan was born in 1886 in Ireland.
He founded Boys Town in Nebraska in 1917 to aid at-risk youth and promote inclusivity.
He gained national recognition after Spencer Tracy portrayed him in the 1938 film “Boys Town.”
The sainthood process requires two miracles for beatification and canonization.