Pope Leo XIV praised Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the popular American television preacher, during his general audience on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square, on the eve of Sheen’s beatification. The pontiff, who grew up listening to the Illinois clergyman, called the preacher an inspiration and urged English-speaking pilgrims to follow his example and find new ways to spread the Christian faith «with joyful enthusiasm.»
Sheen, who died in 1979, was a hugely effective evangelist who, in a sense, pioneered televangelism with his 1950s television series, «Life is Worth Living.» Dressed in a cassock, cape, and skullcap, he stood before a blackboard and offered moral and religious lessons to millions of households in the United States. According to the Catholic University of America, where he studied and taught before being named a bishop, Sheen won an Emmy Award, appeared on the cover of Time magazine, «and became one of the most influential Catholics of the 20th century.»
After a process lasting several years, Sheen will be beatified on Thursday in St. Louis, Missouri, the first step on his path toward possible canonization. The Vatican’s top official for evangelization, Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle, will celebrate the Mass. Leo said in English on Wednesday, mentioning the appointment: «May the example and intercession of this holy bishop, known for his evangelizing work in the media, inspire many others to likewise find new ways to spread the message of the Gospel with joyful enthusiasm.»
The pope, formerly known as Robert Prevost, grew up in a deeply Catholic family in Chicago, where the three children served as altar servers at church, their parents led the nightly recitation of the rosary, and young Robert played at being a priest. Leo said earlier this year that Sheen’s broadcasts were also part of the family’s faith formation. In a June 1 speech to directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which Sheen led in the United States for 16 years, Leo mentioned his upcoming beatification. «Archbishop Sheen was a beacon of faith, hope, and love that shone through radio and television for decades,» Leo said at the time. «I myself witnessed his evangelization efforts while growing up. His broadcasts reached millions of people with the hope of the Gospel, and his initiatives and efforts provided enormous spiritual and material support to churches in areas of first evangelization.»
Pope Francis originally confirmed a miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession in 2019 and had set his beatification for December 21 of that year in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois. But, with less than three weeks’ notice, the Vatican postponed the ceremony to investigate Sheen’s time as bishop amid concerns about how he handled cases of priests accused of abuse. The investigation found no irregularities. After a six-year delay, the Vatican gave the green light in February for Thursday’s beatification.
Context and relevance
Fulton Sheen’s beatification represents the Church’s official recognition of his evangelizing work and his influence in communicating the faith. The process, which included the confirmation of a miracle attributed to his intercession and an investigation into his leadership as bishop, now culminates with the ceremony in St. Louis. This step not only honors Sheen’s memory but also underscores the importance of using the media to spread the message of the Gospel, an aspect Pope Leo XIV highlighted when praising the preacher. Sheen’s figure, a pioneer of televangelism, continues to inspire many to find new ways to evangelize in today’s world.
Original source: www.courant.com (published on September 23, 2026)
