Dear readers,
Today brings a moment of great joy and anticipation for the Church! Reliable reports indicate that the Holy See is expected to formally announce in the coming weeks a date for the beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the beloved American prelate, Emmy-winning televangelist, and pioneer of Catholic media evangelization.
This long-awaited development marks a significant step forward in Sheen's cause for sainthood, which has been underway since 2002 when the Diocese of Peoria opened the process. Sheen, who died in 1979, was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 for his heroic virtues. In July 2019, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to his intercession—the inexplicable recovery of a stillborn child in 2010 after his parents prayed for Sheen's help—clearing the theological path for beatification.
The ceremony was originally scheduled for December 21, 2019, but was postponed just weeks before due to concerns from the Diocese of Rochester (where Sheen briefly served as bishop from 1966–1969) amid ongoing investigations into clergy abuse handling in New York. Sheen's supporters, including the Diocese of Peoria, maintained that he had been thoroughly exonerated and never placed children in harm's way.
The resolution of the Diocese of Rochester's bankruptcy in September 2025, including a substantial settlement for abuse survivors, has now removed the final major obstacle. Sources close to the process report that Sheen's beatification is likely to take place in September 2026, possibly in Peoria, Illinois—where he was ordained a priest in 1919 and where his cause originated.
Archbishop Sheen remains one of the most influential Catholic figures in modern American history. Through radio programs like The Catholic Hour and television shows such as Life Is Worth Living (which drew millions of viewers and earned him Emmy Awards), he brought timeless truths of the faith to a mass audience with clarity, wit, and profound insight. His legacy continues to inspire countless faithful today.
This news is a reminder of God's grace working through holy lives, even across decades. As we await the official Vatican announcement, let us pray for the intercession of Venerable Fulton Sheen and give thanks for the Church's careful discernment in recognizing sanctity.
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us!
Stay tuned for the official confirmation from the Vatican—may this be the beginning of many graces through Blessed Fulton Sheen's intercession! 🙏
Sources:
- The Pillar: ["‘Back on the air’ - Fulton Sheen beatification to be announced"](https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/back-on-the-air-fulton-sheen-beatification) (January 13, 2026)
- CatholicVote: ["Report: Vatican expected to announce beatification date for Ven. Fulton Sheen"](https://catholicvote.org/report-vatican-expected-to-announce-beatification-date-for-ven-fulton-sheen) (January 13, 2026)
- Infovaticana: ["The beatification of Fulton Sheen returns to the Vatican’s agenda"](https://infovaticana.com/en/2026/01/13/the-beatification-of-fulton-sheen-returns-to-the-vaticans-agenda) (January 13, 2026)
- Wikipedia (Fulton J. Sheen entry, updated as of January 2026): Reports the upcoming announcement following earlier developments.
