Veteran Catholic journalist John L. Allen Jr has died at the age of 61 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He died on 22 January 2026 and is survived by his wife, Elise Ann Allen, who is Crux’s senior Rome correspondent.
Originally from Kansas, John received a degree in philosophy from Fort Hays State University and a master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Kansas. In 2005, following the death of Pope Saint John Paul II, Allen began appearing on CNN, later becoming the network’s Senior Vatican Analyst.
In 2014, John launched the website Crux and in 2016 became its owner. The publication has for more than a decade been an authoritative voice on the inner workings of the Vatican, publishing exclusive stories, including the first interview with Pope Leo.
John also wrote many books, including two biographies of Pope Benedict XVI, one as a cardinal and one as pope, as well as a book length interview with Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, with whom he was a close friend. His other works included in depth studies of Opus Dei, international Christian persecution, and the process of papal conclaves.
In 2023, John became Vatican special correspondent for the Catholic Herald alongside his wife Elise, writing monthly for the magazine and contributing regularly to the website.
The Catholic Herald offers its deepest sympathies to John’s widow, Elise, and to all the staff at Crux. His legacy and contribution to Catholic journalism are widely acknowledged, and his insight and understanding of the Vatican will be greatly missed. His kindness and willingness to mentor younger generations of Catholic journalists set a standard within the profession.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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