Full Breakdown
Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen Scheduled After Six-Year Delay
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Vatican has set Thursday for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a pioneering American televangelist who died in 1979. Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle, the Vatican’s senior evangelization official, will preside over the Mass in St. Louis, Missouri. The ceremony marks the first step toward possible sainthood.
Background and Media Legacy
Archbishop Sheen gained fame in the 1950s with the television series *Life is Worth Living*, using a chalkboard and distinctive attire to teach religious and moral lessons to a nationwide audience. He earned an Emmy Award, appeared on the cover of *Time* magazine, and is described by the Catholic University of America as one of the most influential Catholics of the 20th century.
Vatican Review and Scheduling
Pope Francis originally approved a miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession in 2019 and planned a beatification for later that year in Sheen’s hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Less than three weeks before that date, the Vatican postponed the ceremony to examine Sheen’s conduct as a bishop concerning abuse allegations against priests. The inquiry cleared Sheen of misconduct, and after a six-year postponement the Vatican granted final approval in February for the upcoming Thursday ceremony.
Official Remarks
In a later address to English-speaking pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis urged believers to draw inspiration from Sheen’s legacy and to seek “joyful enthusiasm” in sharing the Gospel through modern media.
What’s Next
The beatification will be broadcast internationally, allowing the faithful to witness the ceremony. The Vatican has indicated that the event will also serve as a platform to encourage innovative evangelization methods, reflecting Sheen’s pioneering approach to media outreach.
