Pope Leo pays tribute to Padre Pio, Fulton Sheen
September 24, 2026
Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Padre Pio and Archbishop Fulton Sheen during his September 23 general audience.
“Tomorrow in Saint Louis, Missouri, Venerable Fulton Sheen will be beatified,” Pope Leo said to English-speaking pilgrims. “May the example and intercession of this holy bishop, known for his evangelizing work through the media, inspire many others likewise to find new ways of spreading the Gospel message with joyful enthusiasm.”
At the conclusion of the audience, he added:
Lastly, my thoughts turn to young people, the sick and newlyweds. Today the Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina: may his witness of faith and charity be an invitation for each one of you to always trust in God’s goodness and mercy. To all, my blessing.
The Vatican omitted the brief tribute to Padre Pio from its English translation of the Pontiff’s remarks.
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