LifeSiteNews co-founder John-Henry Westen is no longer the company’s CEO and editor-in-chief after a board vote, the outlet announced July 8.
“He is now on a well-earned sabbatical, spending valuable time with his family,” the statement reads. “We acknowledge the significant online speculation surrounding this decision but wish to clarify that much of it is inaccurate. The board’s decision was made after careful consideration, extensive prayer, and a commitment to best serve our donors, readers, and employees, guided by numerous factors aligned with our mission.”
In 1997, Westen and Steve Jalsevac co-founded LifeSiteNews, which publishes articles on a range of topics, including abortion, Church news, and politics. Westen has served as the outlet’s editor-in-chief since its founding.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to John-Henry for his many years of dedicated service to LifeSiteNews and the pro-life cause,” the statement concluded. “We wish him well during his sabbatical and ask for continued prayers for our organization as we move forward.”
Bishop Joseph Strickland, who is the bishop emeritus of Tyler, Texas, issued a statement to his X account July 9 addressing rumors about the situation. Bishop Strickland has written a number of opinion statements published on LifeSiteNews.
He noted there has been rumors or claims that Westen "was removed because he spoke the truth about Pope Leo XIV or about the troubling trends within the Church. Let me state this clearly: that is not true. This kind of narrative—however well-meaning some may be in spreading it—is not only misleading, it is harmful."
The bishop praised Westen as "a courageous and faithful witness to the truth of Jesus Christ and the teachings of His Church," noting that Westen has reported strongly on abortion and Church crises. On a personal level, LifeSiteNews and Westen "were the first to reach out to me, to listen, to share my story, and to stand with me when many others remained silent," Bishop Strickland added. "For that, I will always be deeply grateful."
"The internal decisions of LifeSiteNews are not mine to explain," he continued. "But I can affirm this with confidence: John-Henry Westen was not removed for speaking the truth. Any assertion to the contrary is a distortion, and it dishonors the work he has done and the truth he has defended so boldly for decades.
"We live in a time when many voices are silenced—not by honest disagreement, but by manipulation and fear. We must resist the temptation to turn every change into a symbol of betrayal. John-Henry remains my brother in Christ, a man I respect and admire, and a voice we still need in this battle for the soul of the Church. Let us not be divided by speculation. Let us instead be united in our commitment to Christ, to His Bride the Church, and to the eternal truths that do not change."
The July 8 news has been met online with both outrage and support of the board’s decision. Some, expressing support for Westen, have reacted by posting on X that they are unfollowing LifeSiteNews. Others have expressed hope that the change could signal a shift in the outlet’s approach in reporting on the Vatican.
At the time of this article's publication, Westen has posted on his X account one time since the announcement.
“Thanking and praising God in the midst of hardship is the best remedy to a broken heart,” he wrote July 9. “Ave Maria!”