Remembered for publications such as Catholic Matters and The Catholic Moment, Neuhaus is also known for establishing a religious magazine titled First Things. He served as a New York City-based Roman Catholic priest; founded the Center for Religion and Society; and helped establish the Institute on Religion and Democracy.
After earning his Master's of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, he became an ordained Lutheran pastor. In 1990, he shifted his religious allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church and quickly rose through the organization's ranks.
He was an outspoken advocate of the pro-life position on abortion.
He and his seven siblings grew up in Pembroke, Ontario, as the children of a Lutheran minister.
He provided televised commentary during the 2005 memorial service for Pope John Paul II.