Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, one of the most influential Catholic communicators of the 20th century, has been a beacon of faith for millions through his radio and television broadcasts. His life, marked by unwavering devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary, makes him an accessible and relevant model of holiness for contemporary Catholics. In an increasingly secularized world, Sheen demonstrated how the media can be a powerful tool for evangelization—a message that resonates particularly strongly in 2026, as the Church faces challenges such as digitalization and the loss of young faithful. This article examines his biography, his enduring impact, and recent developments in his cause for canonization, relying exclusively on reliable Catholic sources.

From an Illinois boy to a television bishop

Fulton John Sheen was born on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois, into a devout Catholic family. Baptized Peter John, he adopted the name “Fulton” after his mother’s maiden name. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Peoria on September 20, 1919, beginning a career marked by academic excellence and church service. He taught theology and philosophy at The Catholic University of America for 25 years, shaping generations of Catholics and future scholars. His consecration as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951 propelled him into more prominent roles, serving until 1966, and then as bishop of Rochester until his retirement in 1969.

Sheen faced personal challenges, including health problems and internal struggles with pride, vanity, and clerical ambition, but he overcame them through rigorous spiritual discipline. For 60 years, he maintained a daily holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament, a practice he attributed to the source of his apostolic strength. His autobiography, *Treasure in Clay*, reveals a humble man who viewed his life as a vessel of clay molded by God. He died on December 9, 1979, the feast of St. Juan Diego, from heart disease, leaving a legacy of conversion and service.

An apostle of media and mission

Sheen’s impact transcends his era, embodying holiness and mission, two fundamental pillars of the Christian life. As national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for 16 years, he raised $200 million for missions, founded magazines such as *Mission* and *WorldMission*, and contributed to the *Ad Gentes* decree of the Second Vatican Council. His prophetic denunciation of communism, licentiousness, and false philosophies, as seen in his television broadcasts, anticipated problems the Church faces today, such as secularization and moral crises.

Sheen revolutionized evangelization through the media. His radio program reached 4 million listeners for 20 years, while *Life Is Worth Living* (1952-1957) attracted 30 million weekly viewers, winning an Emmy and breaking down anti-Catholic prejudices. Author of 66 books and thousands of columns, he facilitated tens of thousands of conversions through personal instruction and sermons that filled churches and stadiums. His devotion to the Eucharist and Mary positions him as a model for priests and laity, emphasizing that holiness springs from intimacy with Christ, not just from apostolic activity.

In today’s world, his legacy lives on through rebroadcasts on EWTN, reprints of his books, and digitized audio recordings. Sheen reminds us that the Church is missionary by nature, called to serve the needy and proclaim the Gospel to every corner of the world. His focus on prayer and the sacraments offers an antidote to empty activism, inviting Catholics today to prioritize a personal relationship with Jesus.

Progress towards beatification

On February 9, 2026, the Holy Father allowed Sheen’s cause for canonization to advance toward beatification, declaring him Blessed in a ceremony to be scheduled between the Diocese of Peoria and the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. This news, described as a “blessing for the Church in the United States,” comes after years of obstacles.

The cause was opened in 2002, and he was declared Venerable in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. A miracle—the recovery of a stillborn baby—was approved in 2014 and confirmed by Pope Francis in 2019. However, disputes over his remains (suspended in 2014 due to the refusal to transfer them from New York to Peoria) and concerns raised by the Bishop of Rochester in 2019 delayed the process. Following litigation and a transfer in June 2019, and clarifications confirming his exemplary conduct, the cause was resumed.

Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria praised Sheen as a “great voice of evangelization,” highlighting his commitment to the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist, and his inclusive missionary vision. Msgr. Jason Gray, director of the Fulton Sheen Foundation, stated in 2023 that “Sheen is clean,” referring to the absence of any doubt about his virtue. Furthermore, in November 2025, the Diocese of Peoria broke ground on the Fulton J. Sheen Center, a space to inspire future generations.

Sheen’s Relevance in the 21st Century Church

The imminent beatification of Sheen not only celebrates his personal holiness but also revitalizes his message at a critical moment for the Church. In 2026, with the proliferation of social media and the post-pandemic crisis of faith, Sheen emerges as a model for the new digital evangelization. His ability to connect with people and transform lives through the Gospel anticipated the era of Catholic influencers. Msgr. Roger Landry, in a recent commentary, emphasizes that Sheen embodied holiness as grateful friendship with Jesus, a model to be imitated far beyond his oratory skills.

Analytically, his legacy challenges the Church to prioritize its universal mission, serving the marginalized and combating ideologies contrary to the faith, as it did against communism. His emphasis on the daily Holy Hour invites a Eucharistic renewal, aligned with initiatives such as the National Eucharistic Year in the U.S. Finally, his beatification will intensify his influence, fostering conversions and vocations in a world that needs credible witnesses of Christ. Fulton Sheen was not just a television personality; he was an apostle who transformed the Church, and his elevation to sainthood ensures that his light will continue to shine.