John-Henry is the co-founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of Life Site News, a leading pro-life and pro-family news platform. An accomplished speaker and advocate for Life, Faith and Family, John-Henry has addressed conferences and retreats and has appeared on radio and television programs worldwide.
John-Henry Westen has dedicated his life to the promotion and defense of life, faith, and family values. As the co-founder and editor-in-chief of LifeSite News, he has established a global platform committed to providing news and commentary that aligns with a pro-life, pro-family, and faith-based ethos. His work extends far beyond journalism, embodying a lifelong mission to champion the sanctity of life and the principles of Christian morality in modern society.
Born and raised in Canada, Westen’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. He earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, followed by a Master of Arts in School and Child Clinical Psychology from the University of Toronto. His academic pursuits in psychology were driven by a deep desire to understand human behavior and nurture well-being, a passion that would later inform his advocacy and leadership roles.
In 1997, Westen co-founded LifeSite News with Steve Jalsevac, establishing a digital media platform that would become a trusted source of pro-life and pro-family news. LifeSite News grew rapidly, gaining a global audience for its unwavering commitment to providing coverage on critical issues often neglected or misrepresented in mainstream media. Under Westen's editorial leadership, the publication has served as a vital resource for individuals and organizations dedicated to the defense of human life and traditional family values.
In addition to his work with LifeSite News, Westen is the founder of the Rome Life Forum, an annual gathering of global leaders in life, faith, and family advocacy. This event, held in the heart of the Catholic Church, brings together clergy, academics, and activists to strategize and collaborate on defending foundational societal values. The forum has become a beacon of unity and inspiration for those committed to promoting a culture of life worldwide.
Westen's commitment to life and family has led him to engage directly in politics. Representing the Family Coalition Party, he has run for political office three times in Ontario, demonstrating his readiness to champion pro-life and pro-family policies in the legislative arena. His political campaigns reflected his deep conviction that societal change often requires active participation in shaping public policy.
Westen serves as a board member of the John Paul II Academy for Human Life and the Family, an institution that works to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church on human dignity and the sanctity of life. Additionally, he provides consulting services to Campaign Life Coalition, Canada’s largest pro-life organization, and holds an executive board position in its Ontario branch. These roles underscore Westen's influential presence in the broader pro-life movement and his multifaceted career as a journalist, advocate, and leader continues to inspire countless individuals across the globe.
Westen resides in Ontario with his wife Dianne and their eight children, and his family life is central to his identity, reflecting his steadfast belief in the importance of nurturing strong familial bonds.
