Press Room

NEW YORK, NY — The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States (TPMS) joyfully welcome today’s announcement from the Diocese of Peoria that Pope Leo XIV has authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to move forward with the Beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification later this year.

Archbishop Sheen, who served as National Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies in our country from 1950 to 1966, was one of the most recognizable evangelizers of the 20th century. His preaching, writing, and pioneering presence on radio and television ignited in countless American Catholics a deep love for the

Church’s mission ad gentes (to all the nations).

During his sixteen years of leadership at TPMS, Archbishop Sheen tirelessly encouraged Catholics across the nation to extend the proclamation of the Gospel and to support the pastoral life of young Churches throughout Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. His commitment to the missions continued even beyond his earthly life: he entrusted much of his patrimony to The Pontifical Mission Societies, including his writings, audio recordings and other assets, ensuring that missionaries and mission territories would benefit from his generosity for generations to come.

“It is profoundly moving that, in God’s providence, the first U.S.–born Pope is able to advance the cause of his fellow Illinois native, the most iconic evangelizer ever produced by the American Church,” said Msgr. Roger J. Landry, National Director of TPMS. “Archbishop Sheen reminded Americans that by virtue of our baptism, we are all called to share in the Church’s mission to proclaim Christ to every nation. His love for the missions shaped our identity as a country and as a Church.”

Today, The Pontifical Mission Societies USA supports the Church in 1,130 mission territories, fostering missionary vocations and forming Catholics in the United States to embrace the universal call to missionary discipleship.

“Archbishop Sheen reminded Americans that the Lord’s final command — ‘Go and teach all nations’ — was not a suggestion but a mandate. His passion for the missions remains a contagious example and bright light for the Church today,” Monsignor Landry added.

The Pontifical Mission Societies USA gives thanks for this historic moment in the life of the Church in the United States and prays that the soon-to-be Blessed Fulton J. Sheen will intercede for a renewed missionary spirit among all the baptized.