RIP John L. Allen Jr. (1964–2026) - Beloved Veteran Vatican Journalist Dies After Lengthy Battle with Cancer

John L. Allen Jr. (1964–2026)

John L. Allen Jr., the preeminent Vatican analyst and CEO of Crux, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 61 following a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Elise Ann Allen, Crux’s senior Rome correspondent.

• The Professional: Formerly of the National Catholic Reporter and The Boston Globe, Allen was hailed by peers as one of the best Anglophone Vatican reporter in history. He also served as a Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN, and featured in broadcast coverage of the conclaves of 2005 and 2013.

• The Leader: As CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Crux, he maintained a steadfast commitment to independent, objective reporting through decades of Church upheaval.

• The Friend: He is remembered by colleagues as a brilliant chef, a generous mentor, and a man of immense hidden kindness.

Widely regarded as the most authoritative English-language voice on Church affairs, Allen’s career spanned decades of pivotal history. After 17 years at the National Catholic Reporter, he joined The Boston Globe to help launch Crux in 2014, eventually taking the helm as CEO and editor-in-chief. His tenure was defined by a fierce commitment to editorial independence and a "news-first" ethos.

Beyond his professional accolades, Allen was a generous mentor and a legendary host in Rome, known for his culinary skills and warmth. The Crux team mourns the loss of a brilliant leader and a dear friend of 30 years, pledging to honor his legacy by continuing the "smart, wired, and independent" coverage he championed.

Please pray for his wife Elise and the repose of his soul.

Sources: Image by Thomas S. Major - en.wikipedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1238675

https://cruxnow.com/church/2026/01/john-l-allen-jr-1965-2026