Sheen Beatified in St. Louis as 50,000 Mark First American Bishop’s Path to Sainthood

Key points

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, acting as Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, presided over the beatification Mass at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.
• The ceremony marked the first time an American-born bishop has been beatified by the Catholic Church.
• Approximately 50,000 people attended the event, including clergy from 49 states and 10 countries.
• The beatification was approved based on a miracle involving a baby born without a heartbeat in 2010 who recovered after his parents prayed to Sheen.
• The Vatican is currently evaluating six other miracles attributed to Sheen to determine if he can be canonized as a saint.
• Sheen’s legacy is highlighted for his use of broadcast media, including the TV show 'Life Is Worth Living,' which reached an estimated 30 million viewers.

Background

Fulton J. Sheen, born in El Paso, Illinois, and later based in Peoria, was a prominent Catholic bishop and media figure in the 20th century. He studied and taught philosophy at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., from 1926 to 1950. He gained national fame for his radio and television programs, particularly 'Life Is Worth Living,' which aired in the 1950s and 1960s. He won an Emmy Award in 1953 for Most Outstanding Television Personality. His cause for sainthood began in Peoria in 2002, and Pope Francis approved the miracle for his beatification in 2019. Pope Leo XIV, also from Illinois, approved the final beatification in 2026.

How outlets are covering it

St. Louis Public Radio emphasized the emotional and communal aspects of the event, noting the presence of tens of thousands of faithful and the celebration of Sheen’s legacy. The New York Times focused on the scale of the event, highlighting the 50,000 attendees and the historical significance of Sheen being the first American-born bishop beatified. Fox News, through commentator Michael Knowles, framed Sheen’s message as resonant with modern conservative values, suggesting he would be labeled a 'far-right extremist' today but would not change his message. The White House statement highlighted Sheen’s role in countering communism and his impact on American culture, emphasizing his use of media to preach the Gospel. All sources agreed on the historical significance of the beatification and the large turnout, but differed in their emphasis on Sheen’s cultural and political relevance.

Why it matters

The beatification of Fulton J. Sheen is a significant event in the Catholic Church, marking the first time an American-born bishop has been beatified. It highlights the enduring impact of Sheen’s use of media to spread religious messages and his influence on American culture. The event also underscores the ongoing process of canonization and the role of miracles in the Catholic Church’s recognition of saints. Additionally, it reflects the continued relevance of Sheen’s teachings and his ability to connect with modern audiences through social media and other platforms.

What to watch

The Vatican is currently evaluating six other miracles attributed to Sheen to determine if he can be canonized as a saint. If a second miracle is certified, Pope Leo XIV could take the final step to make him a saint. The event is expected to draw further attention to Sheen’s legacy and his impact on American culture and religion.