American-born Pope Leo praises US radio and TV preacher on eve of his beatification

Leo said earlier this year that Sheen’s broadcasts also were part of the family’s faith formation - (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV has paid tribute to Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a popular American television preacher who inspired him during his upbringing in Illinois, ahead of his beatification this week.

Addressing English-speaking pilgrims gathered at St. Peter’s Square for his general audience, the American pontiff encouraged believers to draw from Sheen’s legacy and discover innovative approaches to sharing Christian teachings "with joyful enthusiasm."

Sheen, who passed away in 1979, became an early pioneer of televangelism through his 1950s program, Life is Worth Living. Wearing a cape, cassock, and skullcap, he used a chalkboard to convey religious and moral lessons to millions of viewers across the United States.

Before his elevation to bishop, Sheen studied and taught at the Catholic University of America. The institution notes that he went on to earn an Emmy Award, appear on the cover of Time Magazine, "and became one of the most influential Catholics of the 20th century."

Following a lengthy process, the beatification ceremony—the initial stage toward potential sainthood—is scheduled for Thursday in St. Louis, Missouri. Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle, the Vatican’s senior evangelization official, will preside over the Mass.

Fulton J. Sheen on the set of the television series 'Life is Worth Living' in New York City, circa 1955 (Getty Images)

“May the example and the intercession of this holy bishop, known for his evangelizing work to the media, inspire many others likewise to find new ways of spreading the gospel message with joyful enthusiasm," Leo stated in English on Wednesday while noting the appointment.

Born Robert Prevost, the pope was raised in a devout Chicago family where all three sons served as altar boys, prayers of the Rosary were recited nightly, and young Robert pretended to be a priest.

Leo previously mentioned this year that Sheen’s media broadcasts helped shape his family's religious life. Speaking on June 1 to directors of The Pontifical Mission Societies—an organization Sheen directed in the U.S. for 16 years—Leo highlighted the forthcoming beatification.

"Archbishop Sheen was a beacon of faith, hope, and love who shone through radio and television for decades," Leo remarked at the time.

"I myself witnessed his evangelization efforts as I was growing up. His broadcasts reached millions of people with the hope of the Gospel, and his initiatives and efforts provided enormous spiritual and material support to the churches in areas of first evangelization."

Pope Francis had originally approved a miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession in 2019 and scheduled his beatification for Dec. 21 of that year in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois. However, with less than three weeks’ notice, the Vatican delayed the event to review Sheen's conduct as a bishop concerning abuse allegations against priests.

The inquiry cleared Sheen of any misconduct. After a six-year postponement, the Vatican granted approval in February for Thursday’s beatification.