A statue of Fr Edward Flanagan in the grounds of the Fr Edward Flanaghan Memorial Centre in Ballymoe, Co Galway. Photograph: David SleatorA priest from Co Galway has been formally declared venerable by Pope Leo XIV, bringing him closer to sainthood. Fr Edward Flanagan, who was born in Ballymoe, Co Galway, in 1886, was among several individuals to be advanced by the Pope towards sainthood on Monday. A miracle through his intercession is required before he is declared “blessed” and two miracles before he becomes a saint. Flanagan emigrated to the US at a young age, where he became a priest of the Diocese of Omaha.

Source: The Irish Times March 24, 2026 11:24 UTC