The long and winding journey toward sainthood for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has taken a decisive step forward, as the Holy See has formally informed the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, United States, that his cause may now proceed to beatification.
Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria announced that the Vatican’s decision clears the way for the next major milestone in Sheen’s canonisation process, the formal celebration at which he will be declared “Blessed.”
For Tylka, the development is both deeply personal and historic for the Church in the United States.
“Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest voices of evangelisation in the Church and the world in the 20th century,” he said. “His lifelong commitment to serve the Church as a priest was rooted in a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist.”
Sheen’s ability to communicate the Gospel across generations and cultures, the bishop noted, helped countless people encounter Christ in a transformative way. In his later years, particularly through his missionary work, Sheen emphasised that the Church exists for all people, especially the poor and those yearning to hear the Gospel.
The Diocese of Peoria is now working with the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to finalise details for the upcoming beatification ceremony, an event Tylka described as “a special blessing for the Church in the United States.”
Born Peter John Sheen in El Paso, Illinois, on May 8, 1895, he adopted the name “Fulton” in honour of his mother’s maiden name. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1919, Sheen would go on to become one of the most recognisable Catholic figures of the 20th century.
In 1951, he was consecrated an auxiliary bishop of New York, a position he held until 1966, before being appointed Bishop of Rochester. He retired in 1969.
But it was not only his episcopal service that made him a household name. Sheen became a pioneer of religious broadcasting, reaching millions through radio and later through his Emmy Award-winning television programme, Life Is Worth Living, which aired from 1952 to 1957. The show’s engaging discussions on morality and Catholic teaching made him a trailblazer in using modern media for evangelisation.
“He was so far ahead of his time in a reality we now take for granted,” Tylka said.
Sheen died of heart disease on December 9, 1979, the feast of St. Juan Diego.
The road to this moment, however, has been marked by setbacks and controversies that repeatedly stalled the process.
His cause for canonisation was opened in 2002, earning him the title “Servant of God.” Pope Benedict XVI declared him “Venerable” in 2012 after recognising his heroic virtues.
Two years later, both medical and theological panels at the Vatican unanimously approved a miracle attributed to his intercession: the remarkable recovery of a stillborn baby, James Fulton, after his parents prayed for Sheen’s help.
Yet in 2014, the process was abruptly suspended due to a legal dispute over the ownership of Sheen’s remains. The Holy See had expected his body to be moved to Peoria for examination and the taking of relics, but the Archdiocese of New York declined the request. The impasse led to years of litigation.
It was not until March 2019 that a New York appeals court ruled unanimously that Sheen’s remains could be transferred to Peoria. Three months later, his body was moved to St. Mary’s Cathedral, clearing a major obstacle in the canonisation process.
In July 2019, Pope Francis formally approved the miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession, and a beatification date was set for December that year. However, another delay followed when the Bishop of Rochester requested a pause due to concerns Sheen’s name might appear in a report on clerical sexual abuse in New York.
Subsequent investigations determined that Sheen’s life and conduct were exemplary and beyond reproach. The Diocese of Peoria later clarified that the delay was precautionary and not related to any substantiated allegation, describing it as “unfortunate” given the many reported miracles linked to his intercession.
Despite the setbacks, supporters of the cause remained steadfast. In May 2025, Bishop Tylka renewed advocacy efforts with Pope Leo XIV to move the process forward.
Now, after more than two decades of procedural hurdles, legal battles, and careful scrutiny, the Church has confirmed that the beloved archbishop’s beatification may finally take place.
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