Pope Leo Grants ‘Venerable’ Status to Boys Town Founder Fr. Flanagan
Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV on Monday formally recognized the “heroic virtues” of Father Edward Joseph Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town, a Nebraska home for at-risk youth, declaring him “venerable” and advancing his cause toward possible sainthood.
The declaration, announced by the Vatican, marks a significant step in the canonization process for the Irish-born priest who dedicated his life to providing shelter, education, and support to vulnerable children. According to the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the title of “Venerable” signifies that Father Flanagan lived a life of exemplary holiness and virtue.
Father Flanagan established Boys Town in 1917, initially with a rented house and five boys, driven by his belief that troubled youth were products of their environments, not inherently flawed. The organization grew into a renowned campus on the outskirts of Omaha, Nebraska, offering a unique model of self-governance where boys elected their own mayor, council, and commissioners.
“Father Flanagan made such an impression on the hearts of people, Catholic and non-Catholic, that people still speak of him with pride and a sense of reverence, even,” said Archbishop Michael G. McGovern of Omaha, in a statement released following the Vatican’s announcement. Archbishop McGovern, installed in May 2025, added that he was impressed by Flanagan’s “courage” in facing opposition to his operate.
Born in Ballymoe, County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1886, Father Flanagan immigrated to the United States in 1904 and was ordained a priest in 1912. He began his ministry in the Diocese of Omaha in 1913, initially working with homeless men before focusing his efforts on at-risk boys. His work was inspired by the conviction that many adult problems stemmed from broken homes and inadequate parental care.
The Vatican announcement indicates that two approved miracles – one for beatification and another for canonization – will now be required for Father Flanagan’s cause to proceed further. The process of investigating potential miracles is currently underway, according to Vatican officials.
Boys Town gained national recognition, and Father Flanagan’s story was immortalized in the 1938 Oscar-winning film, “Boys Town,” starring Spencer Tracy. The organization continues to operate today, serving vulnerable youth and families across the United States.
The Vatican has not yet announced a timeline for the beatification or canonization phases of Father Flanagan’s cause. The next formal step will involve the review of documented potential miracles attributed to his intercession.