Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Sainthood Cause Moves Forward

The Vatican has greenlit the beatification of the influential American evangelist, bringing him one step closer to sainthood.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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After years of delays, the Vatican has approved the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, one of the most influential evangelists in American history. Sheen's sainthood cause was opened in 2002, and he was declared 'Venerable' in 2012. A reported miracle attributed to his intercession was approved in 2014, paving the way for his beatification. However, the ceremony was postponed in 2019 due to concerns over his tenure as Bishop of Rochester. Now, the Diocese of Peoria has announced that the Vatican has greenlit Sheen's beatification, putting him one step closer to becoming the first native-born American saint.

Why it matters

Archbishop Fulton Sheen was a pioneering and charismatic evangelist who reached millions through radio, television, and print. His beatification would be a significant milestone, as he would become the first native-born American to be declared 'Blessed' by the Catholic Church. This development is seen as a testament to Sheen's enduring impact and the continued reverence for his life and ministry.

The details

Sheen's sainthood cause was opened in 2002 by the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, where he was born. He was declared 'Venerable' in 2012, and a reported miracle attributed to his intercession was approved in 2014. However, the beatification ceremony scheduled for December 2019 was postponed due to concerns over Sheen's tenure as Bishop of Rochester from 1966 to 1969. Now, the Diocese of Peoria has announced that the Vatican has greenlit Sheen's beatification, putting him one step closer to sainthood.

  • Sheen's sainthood cause was opened in September 2002 by the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois.
  • In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared Sheen 'Venerable Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen'.
  • In March 2014, a reported miracle attributed to Sheen's intercession was unanimously approved by medical and theological experts.
  • In September 2014, Sheen's canonization cause was suspended due to a dispute over his final resting place, which was resolved in June 2019.
  • On February 9, 2026, the Diocese of Peoria announced that the Vatican has greenlit Sheen's beatification.

The players

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

One of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history, known for his charismatic preaching and media presence.

Bishop Daniel Jenky

The Bishop of Peoria, Illinois, who officially opened Sheen's sainthood cause in 2002.

Bishop Louis Tylka

The current Bishop of Peoria, Illinois, who announced the Vatican's approval of Sheen's beatification.

Bishop Salvatore Matano

The Bishop of Rochester, whose request to investigate Sheen's tenure in the diocese led to the postponement of his beatification in 2019.

Joan Sheen Cunningham

Sheen's closest living relative, who requested that his remains be interred at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria.

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What they’re saying

“Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest voices of evangelization in the Church and the world in the 20th century.”

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

What’s next

With the Vatican's approval of Sheen's beatification, the Diocese of Peoria will now work to schedule the ceremony, which will officially declare him 'Blessed' and bring him one step closer to sainthood.

The takeaway

The progress of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's sainthood cause is a testament to his enduring legacy as a pioneering and charismatic evangelist who left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and American culture. His potential canonization would be a significant milestone, as he would become the first native-born American saint.