Tens of thousands attend beatification of anti-communist TV star priest Fulton Sheen
Context:
Tens of thousands gathered in St. Louis for the beatification Mass of Fulton Sheen, a famed radio and television priest whose advocacy helped popularize Catholic doctrine in mid-20th century America and who is credited with shaping the environment that aided JFK’s election. The ceremony, held at the Dome at America’s Center, culminates a long process in which about 48,000 tickets were issued due to earlier delays over venue size. Known for 'Life Is Worth Living,' Sheen became a pioneering televangelist and earned broad recognition, including praise from Pope Leo XIV who attended or spoke of his influence. Beatification marks the final step before sainthood, with the Church affirming a 2010 miracle attributed to his intercession. The rite followed a period of scrutiny over abuse allegations, which the Diocese of Rochester concluded did not implicate him, and the pope granted approval earlier in the year.
Dive Deeper:
The beatification Mass took place in St. Louis, drawing tens of thousands of Catholic believers, with organizers noting about 48,000 tickets distributed to attend the ceremony at the Dome at America’s Center.
Fulton Sheen rose to prominence as a radio and television priest in the 1950s and '60s, becoming one of the era's most influential Catholic figures and earning the title of the first television evangelist.
He gained further fame via his show Life Is Worth Living, where he explained moral and religious issues while engaging a broad audience, and he was recognized internationally, including by Pope Leo XIV who credited Sheen with evangelization efforts during his own youth.
The beatification process hinges on a verified miracle; in 2010, a infant born without a pulse reportedly revived after prayers to Sheen, a key factor in advancing his cause.
A delay in beatification had occurred while the Diocese of Rochester investigated allegations of clerical sex abuse; the Church ultimately affirmed Sheen's innocence.
Pope Leo XIV approved the beatification earlier in the year, conferring the title Blessed Fulton Sheen and positioning him on the path toward sainthood.