No quick decision on canonization cause for Father Kapuan

November 11, 2015

A cause for the canonization of Father Emil Kapuan, the US Army chaplain who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013, could take several years, supporters have learned after a meeting with the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita, Kansas, led the delegation from Father Kapuan’s home state to visit with Vatican officials and inquire about the progress of the cause. A local investigation in the Wichita diocese was completed in 2011, and the dossier was sent on to the Vatican for study.

One key question in the process is whether Father Kapaun, who died in a prison camp in North Korea in 1951, can be classified as a martyr for the faith.

 

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Further information:

• Journey to sainthood for Kapaun may take years longer (Wichita Eagle)
• Medal of Honor awarded to Father Kapuan, Korean War chaplain (CWN, 4/11/13)