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

11 powerful quotes from Pope Francis about St. Joseph and his ‘father’s heart’

May 1, 2025 / 15:30 pm

On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1), here are some of the most beautiful and powerful quotes from Pope Francis’ document of personal reflections on St. Joseph. 

CNA explains: What is a conclave and how does it work?

Apr 29, 2025 / 07:00 am

The conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7. Here’s what you need to know about what will happen.

CNA explains: What is the St. Malachy prophecy, and why are people talking about it?

Apr 28, 2025 / 06:00 am

The recent death of Pope Francis on April 21 has reignited interest in the centuries-old “Prophecy of the Popes,” also known as the St. Malachy prophecy.

7 popes are buried at St. Mary Major; Pope Francis will soon be the eighth

Apr 26, 2025 / 04:00 am

Pope Francis will be buried today at Santa Maria Maggiore — who are the other popes buried there?

Colorado bishops call new law offering tax dollars for abortion a ‘tragedy’

Apr 25, 2025 / 15:51 pm

As part of the new law, an earlier provision in the state constitution that prohibited public funds for abortion has now been repealed.

‘Conclave’ fact vs. fiction: What does the hit movie get right and wrong?

Apr 25, 2025 / 10:45 am

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) look at what “Conclave” gets wrong — and gets right — about the process of electing a new pope:

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed Friday evening ahead of Saturday funeral

Apr 25, 2025 / 10:13 am

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin beginning at 8 p.m. Rome time on Friday, April 25.

CNA explains: Dire wolf ‘resurrection’? What Catholics should know

Apr 25, 2025 / 09:00 am

Here’s what Catholics should know about the dire wolves and what the Church might have to say about “resurrecting” extinct species of animals. 

MAP: Remembering Pope Francis’ many apostolic journeys abroad

Apr 24, 2025 / 08:00 am

Pope Francis’ 47 apostolic journeys brought him to 68 countries during his pontificate — many of which included a number of papal firsts.

CNA explains: ‘Sede vacante’ and ‘interregnum’ — what do they mean? 

Apr 23, 2025 / 08:00 am

A highly regulated process has now begun that will see Pope Francis’ earthly body laid to rest and a conclave convened to elect his successor.

Remembering Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the United States

Apr 22, 2025 / 07:00 am

Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, visited the United States just once, nearly 10 years ago, in September 2015.

Facing rising antisemitism, ‘Hebrew Catholic’ association aims to bridge Judaism, Catholicism

Apr 17, 2025 / 10:54 am

The Association of Hebrew Catholics advocates for the recognition and integration of Jewish traditions in Catholic practice. 

Archdiocese of Detroit: Parishes must cease Traditional Latin Mass celebrations by July 1

Apr 16, 2025 / 16:48 pm

Archbishop Edward Weisenburger of Detroit announced Wednesday that parish churches in the archdiocese that offer the Traditional Latin Mass will be unable to do so after July 1.

UPDATE: Catholic leaders in Pennsylvania pray for governor after arson attack

Apr 14, 2025 / 15:32 pm

“We should all be shocked at the reported act of arson at the residence of Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family,” Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh said.

Catholics can gain an indulgence by participating in 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Apr 10, 2025 / 17:30 pm

The pilgrimage, dubbed the Drexel Route, will open with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis on Sunday, May 18.

Albany Diocese to undertake planning process that could close one-third of its parishes

Apr 9, 2025 / 15:37 pm

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger in an April 7 letter said the planning initiative is focused on evangelization and better stewardship of the Church’s assets.

Catholics now outnumber Anglicans among Gen Z in the UK, study suggests

Apr 8, 2025 / 14:56 pm

A report from the Bible Society, a U.K. charity that translates and distributes the Bible, found that the practice of Christianity in general is growing in the U.K.

Stray bullet breaches brand-new Detroit high school chapel; no injuries reported

Apr 7, 2025 / 16:47 pm

Police said the bullet entered St. Peter Claver chapel at around 7:50 a.m. on April 7. There were no reported injuries, and police are canvassing the neighborhood.

What’s so ‘wrong’ with the Vatican flag?

Apr 5, 2025 / 06:00 am

A commonly-used design for the Vatican flag, flown frequently even at the Vatican itself, contains a small but easily-noticed error. Does it really matter?

Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick dies at 94

Apr 4, 2025 / 15:47 pm

A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington on Friday shared a statement with CNA in which Cardinal Robert McElroy confirmed McCarrick’s passing.