U.S. Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be Beatified, One Step from Sainthood

The Vatican has approved the beatification of the popular 20th century Catholic media personality, ending a six-year delay.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Vatican has announced that American Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a renowned Catholic media personality of the 20th century, will be beatified, a key step towards sainthood. Sheen, who hosted popular radio and TV programs in the mid-1900s, had his beatification delayed for six years due to concerns over his handling of sexual abuse allegations, but those issues have now been resolved. His beatification is expected to take place sometime this year.

Why it matters

Sheen's beatification marks a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in the United States, as he was one of the most famous and influential American clergy members of the 20th century. His rise to sainthood could inspire renewed interest in his legacy and teachings, which emphasized patriotism, anti-communism, and traditional Catholic values.

The details

Sheen, who was born in Illinois, hosted a popular radio broadcast for 20 years before starring in the TV series "Life Is Worth Living" in the 1950s and 1960s. He won an Emmy for most outstanding TV personality in 1953. The case for Sheen's canonization had been delayed by concerns over his handling of sexual abuse allegations during his time as a bishop in New York, but after extensive investigation, no wrongdoing was found. A dispute over the location of his remains between New York and his home diocese of Peoria was also resolved, allowing the beatification process to move forward.

  • Sheen died in Manhattan in 1979.
  • The case for Sheen's sainthood was initiated in the early 2000s by the Bishop of Peoria.
  • In 2016, Sheen's closest living relative sued to have his remains moved from New York to Peoria.
  • Sheen's beatification was postponed in 2019, but is now expected to take place sometime in 2026.

The players

Fulton J. Sheen

An American archbishop who was one of the best-known Catholic clergy of the last century, hosting popular radio and television programs that emphasized traditional Catholic values and anti-communism.

Bishop Louis Tylka

The current Bishop of Peoria, who is sponsoring Sheen's cause for sainthood.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan

The Archbishop of New York, who praised Sheen's ability to make Catholic teachings accessible to the broader American public.

Bishop Daniel Jenky

The former Bishop of Peoria who initiated the case for Sheen's sainthood in the early 2000s.

Pope Francis

The current Pope, who was born in Illinois like Sheen and must ultimately approve his canonization.

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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 (The New York Times)

“He showed the broad American public that the truths of our faith were consonant with the highest values of the society: patriotism, God, family and the struggle against Communism.”

— Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York (The New York Times)

“To have this happen during the 250th anniversary of our country, and he's an American from Illinois, it's God's timing.”

— Oscar Delgado, Film producer and advisor to the Sheen legacy foundation (The New York Times)

What’s next

A date and location for Sheen's beatification ceremony have yet to be announced, but it is expected to take place sometime in 2026.

The takeaway

Sheen's beatification represents an important milestone for the Catholic Church in the United States, as he was one of the most prominent and influential American clergy members of the 20th century. His rise to sainthood could inspire renewed interest in his legacy and teachings, which emphasized traditional Catholic values and the struggle against communism.