On September 24, 2026, the Catholic Church formally beatified Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a renowned American churchman and pioneer of using modern mass media as an instrument of evangelisation. This event marked a significant moment for the Church and the media world, as it highlighted the enormous responsibility that accompanies the power of communication. Archbishop Sheen's ministry demonstrated decades ago that radio and television could be used not merely for entertainment, commercial purposes or political messaging, but also for education, moral reflection, intellectual engagement and the communication of faith.
The beatification ceremony took place at The Dome at America's Center in St Louis, Missouri, and was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Thousands of pilgrims, bishops, and priests gathered for the historic occasion. Pope Leo XIV had paid tribute to Archbishop Sheen the previous day, highlighting his pioneering work in evangelisation through radio and television. The Pope expressed hope that Archbishop Sheen's example and intercession would inspire many others to find new ways of spreading the Gospel message with joyful enthusiasm.
The beatification of Archbishop Sheen occurred against the background of an extraordinary contemporary debate about the relationship between political power and the media in the United States. President Donald J. Trump, who has frequently criticised news organisations that he considers hostile to his administration, issued a message honouring Archbishop Sheen. Trump's message celebrated Sheen's life and legacy, describing him as "The Catholic priest who pioneered the use of media to speak the truth, preach the Gospel, and bring many souls closer to Christ."
Archbishop Sheen's ministry was marked by his remarkable broadcasting career, which spanned over two decades. He spent more than 20 years teaching, lecturing, and broadcasting on radio before becoming an auxiliary bishop of New York. His famous television programme, "Life Is Worth Living", brought the Catholic bishop into millions of American homes. The programme, which featured Sheen using a simple television set, a chalkboard, and his distinctive preaching style to address theological, philosophical, and social questions, won an Emmy Award and attracted an estimated 30 million weekly viewers.
Archbishop Sheen was born Peter John Sheen on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois. He later became known by his mother's maiden name, Fulton. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he developed an early vocation to the priesthood and was ordained for the Diocese of Peoria on September 20, 1919. Sheen's intellectual abilities soon became apparent, and he was sent to Europe for advanced studies, earning a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in 1923.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Sheen's life was the relationship between his public communication and his private spiritual discipline. His ministry was not built solely around microphones, cameras, and audiences; he placed prayer at the centre of his life. According to accounts of his life, Sheen maintained a daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament from the beginning of his priesthood. This spiritual discipline was seen as essential to his public ministry and his ability to communicate the truths of Christianity intellectually without losing their spiritual character.
The beatification of Archbishop Sheen has significant implications for journalists and media practitioners across the world. As a journalist and Catholic, the author of the article reflected on the responsibilities that come with the extraordinary power of the modern media. The coincidence of Archbishop Sheen's beatification with the contemporary debate about the relationship between political power and the media in the United States serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication and the role of media in shaping public discourse.
Key points
- The Catholic Church beatified Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on September 24, 2026.
- Archbishop Sheen pioneered the use of modern mass media for evangelisation.
- The beatification ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
