Archbishop Fulton Sheen Moves Closer To Sainthood After Vatican Greenlight

Beatification opens door for local veneration, canonization for universal recognition

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Vatican has approved the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the Emmy-winning televangelist whose 1950s program 'Life Is Worth Living' drew millions of weekly viewers. Beatification requires proof of heroic virtue and at least one verified miracle, while canonization demands a second miracle, opening the door to universal veneration.

Why it matters

Archbishop Fulton Sheen was a renowned Catholic evangelist and media personality in the 20th century, known for his ability to share the Gospel and connect with people. His path to sainthood has been long and complex, facing delays over the handling of priest assignments during his tenure as Bishop of Rochester.

The details

Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria, Illinois - Sheen's home diocese - announced that the Holy See had cleared Sheen for beatification, granting him the title 'Blessed' and permitting limited public veneration. Pope Benedict XVI declared Sheen venerable in 2012, and Pope Francis recognized his first miracle in 2019 - the recovery of a stillborn baby after the child's parents prayed for Sheen's intercession.

  • Archbishop Fulton Sheen died of heart disease in 1979.
  • Sheen's cause for canonization was suspended in 2014 amid a dispute over the transfer of his remains.
  • A New York appeals court ruled in favor of transferring Sheen's body to Peoria in 2019.
  • The beatification was delayed further in 2020 after concerns were raised about Sheen's handling of priest assignments during his time as Bishop of Rochester from 1966 to 1969.
  • The Vatican has now approved Sheen's beatification in 2026.

The players

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

A renowned Catholic evangelist and media personality in the 20th century, known for his Emmy-winning television program 'Life Is Worth Living' which drew millions of weekly viewers.

Bishop Louis Tylka

The Bishop of Peoria, Illinois, which is Sheen's home diocese.

Pope Benedict XVI

The Pope who declared Sheen 'venerable' in 2012, the first major step towards sainthood.

Pope Francis

The Pope who recognized Sheen's first miracle in 2019, clearing the way for his beatification.

Bishop Salvatore Matano

The Bishop of Rochester who requested the Vatican postpone Sheen's beatification to examine his handling of priest assignments during his tenure as Bishop of Rochester from 1966 to 1969.

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What they’re saying

“Beatification opens the door for local honor, while canonization opens it for the whole world, recognizing a saint as being in heaven with God.”

— Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, Illinois (EWTN News)

“Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest voices of evangelization in the Church and the world in the 20th century. His ability to share the Gospel and truly relate to people drew countless souls into an encounter with Jesus.”

— Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, Illinois (EWTN News)

What’s next

The Diocese of Peoria said Sheen was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing in the investigation into his handling of priest assignments during his time as Bishop of Rochester, and the Vatican has now approved his beatification.

The takeaway

Archbishop Fulton Sheen's path to sainthood has been a long and complex one, facing delays over concerns about his tenure as Bishop of Rochester. However, the Vatican's approval of his beatification is a significant milestone, recognizing his legacy as one of the great Catholic evangelists and media personalities of the 20th century.