MANCHESTER, England (CNS) – The bishop of Northampton, England, has appointed a priest to investigate the possibility of opening the cause for sainthood of G.K. Chesterton, a British journalist and author of the early 20th century.

The decision to investigate the cause followed numerous approaches from devotees of Chesterton, including many from the U.S.

Chesterton created the famous “Father Brown” literary figure. He wrote 80 books as well as hundreds of short stories, essays, poems and several plays. His works continue to enjoy universal appeal and popularity.

Born in London in 1874, he died of heart failure in 1936 at the age of 62.