An American at the Second Vatican Council: Archbishop Sheen’s contribution to the Decree “Ad gentes” on the Church’s missionary activity

In brief

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen contributed to the drafting of the Second Vatican Council decree on missionary activity, Ad Gentes, as the only American member of the Commission on the Missions. Appointed to the commission by Pope John XXIII, Sheen traveled across the Atlantic several times each year to participate in sessions conducted in Latin.

Pope Benedict XVI noted Sheen's presence during a 2012 visit to the Verbite Missionaries in Nemi, where the commission met. Benedict XVI described the commission as a group of great theologians tasked with drafting the decree and recalled how Sheen's evening talks enthralled the participants. The Pope characterized the experience of working with the commission as a spiritual enrichment and a great gift.