RADAR

Archbishop Fulton J Sheen Soon to Be Beatified

On 9 February 2026, Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois in the USA, announced that the Archbishop’s Cause for Canonization is proceeding toward the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J Sheen.

BY Gianni Valente

“THE HOLY SEE,” Bishop Tylka reported, “has informed me that the Cause of the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J Sheen can proceed toward beatification,” adding that “We are collaborating with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican to finalize the details of the upcoming beatification.”

The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the United States promptly released a statement expressing joy at the announcement from Peoria. “Archbishop Sheen,” the PMS USA statement recalls, “served as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA from 1950 to 1966.” His preaching, writings, and pioneering presence on radio and television “kindled in countless American Catholics a deep love for the Church’s mission ad gentes.”

It is also noted that the future Blessed “entrusted much of his patrimony to the Pontifical Mission Societies, including his writings, audio recordings, and other assets.”

“It is deeply moving that, by God’s providence, the first American-born Pope is able to promote the cause of his fellow Illinoisan, the most iconic evangelizer ever produced by the American Church,” remarked Archbishop Roger J Landry, National Director of the PMS USA.

“Archbishop Sheen,” Landry recalled, “reminded Americans that the Lord’s final command — ‘Go and teach all nations’ — was not a suggestion, but a mandate. His passion for the missions remains a contagious example and a shining light for the Church today.”

Evangelizer through media

Shortly before his death in 1979, Fulton Sheen declared: “My greatest love has always been the Church’s missions.”

From 1930 to 1950, he hosted the evening radio program “The Catholic Hour” on NBC. In 1950, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the United States of America, a position he held until 1966. During that period, his television program “Life is Worth Living” was widely watched, with an average audience of over 30 million; he also won two Emmy Awards for his communication skills.

From 1961 to 1967, he hosted “The Fulton Sheen Show.”

On May 28, 1951, Pope Pius XII appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of New York. He participated in the Second Vatican Council, and on October 21, 1966, Pope Paul VI appointed him Bishop of Rochester. A professor of philosophy at the Catholic University of Washington, Fulton Sheen wrote approximately 300 books and articles.

His cause for canonization was opened at the diocesan level in 2002, and on April 15, 2008, its Roman phase began at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. On June 28, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI recognized his heroic virtues. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree regarding the miracle attributed to his intercession.

Source: Fides