Freelancer Focus: Junno Arocho Esteves
In this month’s Q&A, Junno Arocho Esteves shares his dynamic journey in Catholic journalism, reflecting on his experiences reporting from Rome, freelancing globally, and navigating the evolving media landscape. From his early days writing for the Archdiocese of Newark to covering pivotal moments with Pope Francis, Junno delves into the challenges and rewards of his vocation. He also offers valuable insights for aspiring Catholic journalists and practical tips for managing freelance projects. Junno currently freelances for OSV News, La Croix International, and Religion News Service, bringing stories from Europe, Latin America and the Middle East to light.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a freelance professional, especially in Catholic media?
Prior to my work as a journalist, I worked for several years as a Communications Specialist for the Archdiocese of Newark. It was there where my love for writing and journalism first began as I had written several articles for the diocesan newspaper at the time, The Catholic Advocate.
However, I began my full-time career in journalism in Rome in 2012 as correspondent for ZENIT News Agency's English Edition, as well as several brief stints at Rome Reports and Vatican News (which at the time was known as Vatican Radio). From 2015 to 2022, I worked as Vatican correspondent for Catholic News Service which I still regard as a highlight of my career, as it allowed me the opportunity to travel with other journalists accompanying Pope Francis on several of his apostolic visits, including Fatima, Chile, Peru, Panama, Romania, Slovakia and Kazakhstan. I also had the privilege of traveling to Hungary at the start of the war in Ukraine to report on the arrival of refugees and the work of Caritas Hungary's work.
During my time at CNS, I also wrote frequently on the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, which led to my next experience as Communications Officer at the Institute of Anthropology, formerly known as the Center for Child Protection, at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Nevertheless, in my heart, I always felt that I could be of better service as a journalist, and I began as a freelance journalist with OSV News and Religion News Service. Since moving to Malmö, Sweden in May 2024, I have continued to freelance for OSV News, as well as for La Croix International, primarily focused on the Catholic Church in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Being able to continue to write on the church in the world has been an immense gift and an opportunity to highlight those voices that are often not heard.
Can you tell us about a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
It's hard to pinpoint one project, only because I am proud of any article that highlights the story of ordinary Christians doing extraordinary things in difficult circumstances. One of them is a story I've been following up on in Sicily regarding a survivor who has been tirelessly seeking justice for the abuse he suffered. This survivor, like so many, not only shows bravery in impossible circumstances, but has also held on to his faith despite what he has been through. It's that faith that continues to strengthen him and others in his diocese. To be given a chance to highlight his voice is and continues to be an honor and a privilege.
What challenges do you face as a freelancer, and how do you overcome them?
Freelancing is quite different from my correspondent days. At times, looking for original stories that are of interest to Catholic readers or that give a new perspective to a well-known event or subject can be a bit daunting.
But it has also allowed me to not fall into the trap of settling or writing for the sake of writing. It keeps me on my toes and pushes me even harder to pursue stories and write in the best way possible.
How do you stay motivated and manage your time while juggling multiple projects?
Coffee is probably number one on the list! But as far as time management, especially when juggling several stories and deadlines at once, using the Pomodoro Method has been an absolute godsend. For those unfamiliar, the Pomodoro Method is a time management technique that uses a timer, and alternates focused 25-minute work periods and 5-minute break periods. I can often get sidetracked, especially when doing several things at once, and this method allowed me to focus on a given task. I highly recommend any freelance journalist to download any Pomodoro Method timer app on their phone and try it for themselves.
What is the most interesting or unusual project you’ve worked on in your career?
While my freelance writing over the past two years has focused on current events, one of the most unusual, and probably my favorite articles, was one I wrote back in 2021 on the use of religious symbolism in Zack Snyder's trilogy of DC Comics movies. Being a fan of both Marvel and DC Comics, it gave me a rare opportunity to write about something I love and point out all the ways those films mirrored the defining moment so Jesus' passion, death and resurrection.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a freelancer in Catholic media? This can be very helpful for aspiring freelancers and offers a mentoring element.
I think for one is to not be discouraged if a story you pitched is not accepted. It can at times be a bit of a gut punch, especially if it’s a story you believe in or want to put out there. But its an opportunity to hone your skill, adapt it to what the readers of that particular publication would be interested or start from square one and write something entirely new. But never be discouraged or take it personally; instead, take it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a journalist.
How has freelancing helped you grow personally and professionally?
Throughout my life, I felt that I often struggled to express myself or to tell a compelling story. While my career as a correspondent in Rome definitely helped hone my skills as a journalist, working as a freelancer has allowed me to take my time and given me a sense of freedom to explore stories that have either not been told or conveyed from a different perspective. Freelancing has allowed me to continue doing what I love in a new and refreshing way.
What are your favorite tools, resources, or apps that make your freelance work easier?
As I mentioned before, a Pomodoro Method timer is probably the app I use the most when writing, especially on a tight deadline. I also use an e-Ink writing tablet where I jot my notes for articles or interviews, as well as read relevant books, pdfs or articles from my favorite publications or journalists. It's been a great tool, as opposed to a tablet or iPad which allows for apps or games that can often distract from the task at hand.
Do you have a memorable story about working with a Catholic organization or client?
Writing for OSV News has been a great experience. Having worked at CNS for most of my time in Rome, writing for a wire news service has felt like being back in familiar territory. My experiences both as a journalist and a communications professional also allowed me the opportunity and privilege to collaborate from June to October with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors as a content editor and a communications advisor.
More about Junno:
- Online Portfolio: https://sites.google.com/view/jaejournalist/home
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/arochoju
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jae.journalist/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junnoarocho/