Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified Sept. 24 in St. Louis, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presiding, the Vatican announced.
Newsroom (25/03/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a long-awaited milestone for American Catholicism, the Vatican announced that Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on September 24 in St. Louis. The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints confirmed the news on March 25, signaling the culmination of a process marked by both fervent devotion and a six-year postponement.
The beatification ceremony will take place in St. Louis, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presiding. The choice of Tagle—one of the most noted global voices in evangelization—underscores the Church’s recognition of Sheen’s profound legacy as a preacher, teacher, and communicator of faith.
On February 9, the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced that the Vatican had given its final approval for the beatification to proceed. The decision came after a lengthy delay: the original ceremony was scheduled for December 2019 but was postponed by the Holy See just weeks before it was to occur.
Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria expressed deep gratitude for the news in February, reflecting on Sheen’s enduring impact on the Church. “Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest voices of evangelization in the Church and the world in the 20th century,” Bishop Tylka said. “I have long admired his lifelong commitment to serve the Church as a priest, rooted in his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist. As he journeyed through the different stages of his life, his ability to share the Gospel and truly relate to people drew countless souls into an encounter with Jesus — one that transformed not only his life, but more importantly, the lives of those he touched.”
Archbishop Sheen remains a towering figure in the history of American Catholic evangelization. Known as “God’s microphone,” Sheen revolutionized religious outreach through radio, print, and television during the mid-20th century, reaching millions with a style that combined intellect, humility, and humor. His ability to translate complex theological truths into vivid, relatable insights won him widespread respect both inside and outside the Church.
More than five decades after his death in 1979, Sheen’s message continues to inspire Catholics and seekers worldwide. The announcement of his beatification marks a new chapter in his spiritual legacy — one that cements his role not just as a pioneering communicator of faith, but as a model of modern sainthood in an age hungry for voices of conviction and compassion.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from OSV news
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