Vatican Approves Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Beloved Catholic evangelist's sainthood cause advances after years of delays

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Vatican has approved the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a beloved American Catholic evangelist, later this year. Sheen's cause for sainthood was delayed for several years due to an ownership dispute over his remains and scrutiny over how he handled an abusive priest, but an extensive review found no allegations against him. Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to Sheen's intercession in 2019, paving the way for his beatification.

Why it matters

Archbishop Fulton Sheen was a pioneering Catholic media personality who helped mainstream Catholicism in the United States during a time of intense anti-Catholic sentiment. His beatification is seen as an important milestone in recognizing his legacy and impact as a beloved evangelist and communicator.

The details

Archbishop Sheen hosted a popular radio broadcast for 20 years and a television series called "Life Is Worth Living" in the 1950s and 1960s, winning an Emmy for most outstanding personality in 1953. He was known for his dramatic and charismatic preaching style, including a memorable condemnation of Joseph Stalin on air. Sheen's work is credited by some with paving the way for the election of the first Catholic U.S. president, John F. Kennedy.

  • The Vatican approved Sheen's beatification in 2026.
  • Sheen's cause for sainthood was delayed for 6 years starting in 2019 due to an ownership dispute over his remains and scrutiny over his handling of an abusive priest.
  • Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to Sheen's intercession in 2019, which paved the way for his beatification.

The players

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

A beloved American Catholic evangelist and media personality who hosted popular radio and television programs in the mid-20th century, winning an Emmy for most outstanding personality in 1953.

Bishop Louis Tylka

The Bishop of Peoria, Illinois, where Sheen was born, who announced the upcoming beatification and called it a "great moment" for the local and universal church.

Pope Francis

The current Pope who approved the miracle attributed to Sheen's intercession in 2019, paving the way for his beatification.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a great moment for the local church in Peoria, for the church here in the United States and for the church universal.”

— Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria (New York Times)

“After years of inquiries, including a probe by the state attorney general, there have been no public statements about any allegations against Archbishop Sheen.”

— Msgr. James Kruse, Former director of canonical affairs in the diocese of Peoria (New York Times)

What’s next

The Vatican will officially beatify Archbishop Fulton Sheen later this year, advancing him one step closer to sainthood.

The takeaway

Archbishop Fulton Sheen's upcoming beatification recognizes his legacy as a pioneering Catholic media personality who helped mainstream Catholicism in America and paved the way for the election of the first Catholic U.S. president, John F. Kennedy.