Pope Leo XIV calls Fulton Sheen a model for modern evangelism ahead of beatification

Pope Leo XIV, who spent his childhood listening to Fulton Sheen’s broadcasts, lauded the late archbishop as a model for using media to share the Christian faith. Sheen, famed for his 1950s TV series “Life is Worth Living,” earned an Emmy and a Time Magazine cover, becoming a leading Catholic voice of the 20th century. The beatification is set for Thursday in St. Louis, Missouri, with Cardinal Luis Tagle celebrating the Mass.

Leo urged pilgrims at his general audience in St. Peter’s Square to emulate Sheen’s joyful enthusiasm in evangelization. He also recalled that Sheen’s programs shaped his own faith formation. After a postponed schedule due to a review of Sheen’s episcopal tenure, the Vatican confirmed no wrongdoing and gave final approval for the ceremony.