John L. Allen Jr., the preeminent English-language authority on the Vatican and a defining voice in Catholic journalism for three decades, died on January 22, 2026, in Rome, Italy. He was 61 years old. Allen passed away after a courageous three-year battle with stomach cancer. He is survived by his wife, Elise Ann Allen, who serves as the senior Rome correspondent for Crux.

A Life in Rome Born in Hays, Kansas, in 1965, Allen’s career began in teaching before he moved to Rome in the late 1990s. He spent 17 years as the Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, where he established himself as "the journalist other reporters—and not a few cardinals—look to for the inside story". His daily reporting during the illness of Pope John Paul II and the subsequent election of Pope Benedict XVI made him a familiar face to millions as a Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN.

Legacy of Crux In 2014, Allen joined The Boston Globe to launch Crux, a project he later took independent, serving as its editor and president until his death. Under his leadership, Crux became a vital hub for independent Catholic news, known for its "smart, wired, and independent" coverage.

The Man Behind the Byline Beyond his professional accolades, John is remembered as a "force of nature" and a "consummate newsman". A prodigiously gracious host, he was famous among colleagues for his culinary prowess and the convivial gatherings he hosted at his Roman apartment. He was a dedicated mentor who launched the careers of numerous young journalists, viewing this mentorship as his true legacy.

Colleagues recall his personal motto, "Never reduce someone to their worst moment," a philosophy that underpinned his fair and nuanced reporting. Services Details regarding memorial services in Rome and the United States will be announced by the family.