Vatican Approves Beatification of Iconic U.S. Preacher Fulton Sheen

Sheen's path to sainthood faced delays over concerns about clergy misconduct cases

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Vatican has approved the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a popular U.S. radio and TV preacher whose path to sainthood was derailed first by a lengthy court battle over his remains and then by concerns about how he handled clergy sexual misconduct cases. After a six-year delay to investigate the concerns, Sheen's beatification can now take place in Peoria, Illinois, as originally planned.

Why it matters

Sheen was an enormously effective evangelizer in the 20th century U.S. church, who in some ways pioneered televangelism with his popular 1950s television series. His beatification, the last major step before possible sainthood, is seen as an important milestone for the Catholic Church in America.

The details

The Vatican had postponed Sheen's beatification in 2019 after the Diocese of Rochester, New York, where Sheen served as bishop from 1966-1969, asked for further investigation into his tenure and 'his role in priests' assignments.' The concerns focused on Sheen's handling of two cases of priests accused of sexual misconduct, though Sheen himself was never accused of abuse. After a six-year investigation, the Vatican has now cleared Sheen and approved his beatification.

  • Pope Francis confirmed a miracle attributed to Sheen's intercession on July 6, 2019.
  • Sheen's beatification was originally scheduled for December 21, 2019 in Peoria, Illinois, but was postponed indefinitely.
  • The Vatican has now approved Sheen's beatification in 2026.

The players

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

A popular U.S. radio and TV preacher in the 20th century who pioneered televangelism and became one of the most influential Catholics of his time.

Pope Leo XIV

The Illinois-born Pope who will preside over Sheen's beatification ceremony.

Bishop Louis Tylka

The current Bishop of Peoria, Illinois, where Sheen's beatification will take place.

Monsignor James Kruse

A top canonical affairs official from Peoria who said an investigation had cleared Sheen of any wrongdoing in 2019.

Monsignor Roger Landry

The national director of the Pontifical Missions Societies in the U.S., the Vatican's main missionary fundraising office, which Sheen headed from 1950-1966.

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What they’re saying

“The Holy See has informed me that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification.”

— Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, Illinois (Diocese of Peoria website)

“It is profoundly moving that, in God's providence, the first U.S.–born pope is able to advance the cause of his fellow Illinois native, the most iconic evangelizer ever produced by the American Church.”

— Monsignor Roger Landry, National Director, Pontifical Missions Societies in the U.S. (Pontifical Missions Societies in the U.S.)

What’s next

The Diocese of Peoria is working with the Vatican's Dicastery of the Causes of Saints to determine the details for Sheen's upcoming beatification ceremony.

The takeaway

Sheen's beatification, after years of delays, represents an important milestone for the Catholic Church in America, as it recognizes the legacy of one of the most influential and pioneering Catholic figures of the 20th century.