The Catholic Diocese of Wichita has announced that Kansas priest Emil Kapaun has been named as venerable, a step closer to sainthood.

Father Kapaun, a native of Pilsen, Kansas, served as a U.S. Army chaplain during World War II and the Korean War.  He died in a Korean POW camp in May, 1951.  His remains were found in Hawaii in 2021 and returned to Kansas, and he is now entombed in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.

Father Kapaun was named as a Servant of God in 1993, for the first step toward sainthood.  Pope Francis authorized the designation as venerable, and the Catholic Diocese says this will allow for investigations of alleged miracles performed by Father Kapaun for continued steps to sainthood.

Bishop Carl Kemme with the Catholic Diocese of Wichita issued a statement:

“As bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, where Father Emil Kapaun was ordained and served and where he is now entombed in the Cathedral, I join his family, our diocesan family, parishioners in Pilsen, his brother priests, men and women in the armed forces, past, present and future, and indeed every one of faith in giving thanks that Pope Francis has advanced his cause by declaring him to be Venerable. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for his intercession in every situation so that many more graces and divine favors will be received because of his powerful prayers. Venerable Emil Kapaun, pray for us!”