Sad to learn that John Allen, who for years was the most reliable reporter covering Vatican affairs, has lost a long fight with cancer. His work was always informative, and even if you disagreed with his analysis, you could rely on his accuracy. More important, you could rely on his decency— toward his subjects and his colleagues. I found him unfailingly generous with his time and his advice; I know many others could say the same. May he rest in peace.