Update 1/23/2026: I corrected a broken link to the first obituary link below (h/t Anne), which was from Catholic News Agency - now apparently owned by EWTN. And I added a new link to America Magazine's obituary, which may be the best of the bunch.
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I was dismayed to learn this afternoon that John Allen Jr., the noted "Catholic beat" journalist, has died of cancer. He was only 61 years old.
Allen had been National Catholic Reporter's Rome correspondent during the pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. He was then hired by the Boston Globe for its new Catholic outlet, Crux. A couple of years later, the Globe transferred Crux to the staff; Allen served as its editor.
As obituary here. Colleen Dulle's obituary in America here. And a nice remembrance here.
I hope he and Tom are trading war stories in heaven.
That is sad news. I well remember his coverage of the Vatican and Church affairs in NCR. He was a staple. I didn’t see much of his writings since he left NCR. He died from the same cancer that killed my father at age 49. God keep his soul.
ReplyDeleteI knew he wasn't well, and am sorry to hear that he died.
ReplyDeleteI used to read him in NCR. I read some things in Crux, but it is paywalled, so I just read the free articles. I always found John Allen to be objective and a good journalist. May perpetual light shine upon him.
I see that John's wife, Elise Ann Allen, has written a biography of Pope Leo, to be released in April.
DeleteI was surprised that he had had that form of cancer for years. My father died from it in a year. I guess medicine made some progress on that front.
ReplyDeleteWhen John Allen was with NCR, he regularly came to the Cleveland area to give talks. He was someone who appreciated the diversity of Catholicism. He did a well-researched even-handed book on Opus Dei.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry Crux did not make it as a part of the Boston Globe. They were satisfied with the product. I guess it just wasn't bringing them money.
Unfortunately, journalists cannot be really independent. Crux is dependent upon the Knights.
He was insightful about many things, for example the great potential for elderly Catholics at retirement to contribute time to the Church and civic organizations.
Jim, the first link doesn’t work. I remember reading his columns years ago. I guess when he was with NCR. I read Crux a few times when he moved there but Crux never “ grabbed” me. I had forgotten all about it. He devoted himself to his subject. May he rest in peace.
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