VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has praised the enduring missionary legacy of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, highlighting his influence on modern Catholic evangelization as the Church continues its path toward his beatification.

Speaking during a commemorative audience with communications professionals and clergy, the Pope described Sheen as a pioneering figure who used emerging media—especially radio and television—to proclaim the Gospel with clarity, conviction, and intellectual depth. He noted that Sheen’s ability to speak to both believers and skeptics made him one of the most recognizable Catholic voices of the 20th century.

“Archbishop Sheen reminds us that the mission of evangelization must reach every age and every medium,” Pope Leo said, emphasizing that the Church is called to engage culture creatively while remaining faithful to its message.

Sheen, who served as a bishop in the United States and later as Bishop of Rochester, became widely known for his television program Life Is Worth Living, which reached millions of viewers and earned him an Emmy Award. His writings and broadcasts helped shape Catholic thought and public discourse during a rapidly changing media era.

Pope Leo also encouraged contemporary Church communicators to learn from Sheen’s example, particularly his ability to combine theological depth with accessible language. He stressed that authentic evangelization requires both fidelity to doctrine and a willingness to engage modern communication tools responsibly.

As the beatification process continues, the Pope’s remarks are being seen as a significant reaffirmation of Sheen’s spiritual and cultural impact. For many Catholics, the recognition underscores the lasting relevance of his message: that faith, when communicated with courage and creativity, can reach hearts across every generation.