Archbishop Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified Following Miracle Confirmation

Fort Myers Naples, FL, September 2, 2026 — The Catholic Church has announced that Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a prominent figure in 20th-century American media and a historic television personality, will be beatified. This significant step brings him closer to being recognized as a saint.

The beatification follows the confirmation of a miracle attributed to the intercession of Archbishop Sheen. According to church officials, the miracle involves a child born in Illinois who experienced recovery through the prayers invoked in Sheen’s name.

Specific details regarding the nature of the miracle or the identity of the child and their family were not provided in the announcement.

The main ceremony for the beatification is scheduled to take place in St. Louis, Missouri. Additionally, related events are planned in Peoria, Illinois, which is Archbishop Sheen’s hometown. The exact dates for these ceremonies were not immediately available.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen was known for his widespread influence through his television program “Life is Worth Living,” which reached millions of viewers during the 1950s. His potential elevation to sainthood marks a notable moment for many of his followers and the broader Catholic community.

The process for beatification requires the verification of a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession, after which the individual can be declared “blessed.” Further investigation and confirmation of an additional miracle are typically required for full canonization as a saint.

Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.