Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.

Articles by Jonah McKeown

Ukrainian Catholic leader says focus is on providing help and hope, one year into the war

Feb 10, 2023 / 14:15 pm

“It’s a miracle we are still alive,” Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk told reporters at a Feb. 8 news conference organized by Aid to the Church in Need.

U.S. Catholic school growth slows after two years of notable increases, data show

Feb 10, 2023 / 11:55 am

The NCEA reported that Catholic school enrollment grew by 0.3% last year but remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.

As Pavone misconduct allegations mount, Amarillo Diocese maintains silence

Feb 8, 2023 / 20:52 pm

Two women have accused Frank Pavone, national director of the pro-life organization Priests for Life, of sexual harassment, according to recent media reports.

Christian leaders in Syria call for an end to ‘unjust’ sanctions that they say hamper aid to the needy

Feb 8, 2023 / 14:30 pm

Three prominent Christian leaders in Syria issued a joint letter Tuesday calling for an end to sanctions against Syria.

Catholic aid agencies respond after devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Feb 7, 2023 / 12:50 pm

According to the latest available estimates as of midday Tuesday, the 7.8-magnitude quake ​​has left at least 6,200 people dead in Turkey and Syria.

The ‘Four Chaplains,’ selfless heroes of WWII, honored on 80th anniversary of their deaths

Feb 6, 2023 / 14:36 pm

A New Jersey parish church on Sunday honor the “Four Chaplains” who sacrificed their lives to save others on the torpedoed U.S.A.T. Dorchester 80 years ago.

Cardinal Zen and Jimmy Lai among Hong Kongers nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 

Feb 3, 2023 / 14:15 pm

A bipartisan congressional commission chaired by Rep. Chris Smith announced Thursday the nomination of six Hong Kongers for their efforts in the cause of human rights.

Here’s what Pope Francis said about exploitative mining in the Congo

Feb 2, 2023 / 15:15 pm

The Democratic Republic of Congo exports 70% of the world's cobalt, a once-obscure element now in great demand because it’s needed to make lithium-ion batteries.

Pope Francis kissed his feet. Who is the cowboy-hat-wearing president of South Sudan?

Feb 2, 2023 / 09:23 am

At a Vatican retreat in 2019, Pope Francis kissed the feet of President Salva Kiir — and those of his rival —while begging the leaders to make peace.

Biggest papal Masses ever: How does today’s Mass in the DRC compare?

Feb 1, 2023 / 12:23 pm

Papal Masses, especially in the last 50 years or so, have attracted crowds of millions — many of them at World Youth Days. 

Minnesota Senate sends far-reaching abortion bill to governor’s desk

Jan 31, 2023 / 09:40 am

Catholic leaders had strongly denounced the bill, proposing instead a slate of pro-family measures that they say will reduce demand for abortions.

Pro-life advocates and lawmakers react to news of Mark Houck’s acquittal

Jan 30, 2023 / 16:09 pm

Mark Houck’s pro-life supporters hailed Monday’s verdict while also chastising the Department of Justice for filing charges against the Catholic father of seven in the first place.

Where is Mass attendance highest? One country is the clear leader

Jan 29, 2023 / 08:00 am

A compilation of new data by researchers at Georgetown University sheds light on the countries around the world that have the highest Mass attendance numbers. 

Japanese government to investigate forced sterilization of intellectually disabled people

Jan 27, 2023 / 11:10 am

At least eight couples have reportedly undergone sterilization at the behest of Asunaro Social Welfare Service Corp.

Minnesota bishops decry bill that would make abortion a right

Jan 26, 2023 / 14:00 pm

The Catholic bishops of Minnesota urged lawmakers to vote down a bill that would codify the right to abortion, proposing instead a slate of pro-family measures.  

Japanese prime minister vows to take action on declining birthrate

Jan 25, 2023 / 14:30 pm

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently warned that Japan’s birthrate — one of the lowest in the world — is not sustainable.

Pakistan tightens its already far-reaching blasphemy laws

Jan 23, 2023 / 14:45 pm

Insulting the Prophet Muhammad is already a capital offense in Pakistan. Under the newest legal changes, those convicted will now face 10 years in prison.

Harvard scientist: The wonders of the universe point to a Creator

Jan 21, 2023 / 10:00 am

Karin Öberg, professor of astronomy and director of undergraduate studies at Harvard University, spoke recently at the Wonder Conference in Texas.

Now that the March for Life is over, here’s a snapshot of a shifting abortion landscape

Jan 21, 2023 / 06:00 am

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned last year, state lawmakers have gone in dramatically different directions on abortion.

Jonathan Roumie: Pro-life advocacy the ‘worthiest and noblest cause possible’

Jan 20, 2023 / 14:31 pm

The actor who portrays Jesus in the popular TV series “The Chosen” was one of about a dozen speakers at this year’s March for Life.