Francis X. Clark

Francis X. Clark, S.J. (†) was an American Jesuit priest, missionary, and author whose work engaged the history of Catholic missionary activity and the development of the Church in Asia. He was former Provincial of the Philippine Jesuits. In 1968, he joined the staff of the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in Quezon City, Philippines, where he was responsible for the institute’s library and finances. His service contributed to EAPI’s development as a center for pastoral renewal and formation for clergy, religious, and lay pastoral workers from across Asia. His publications include Philippine Missions: A Study of the Apostolate in the Islands from King Philip of Spain to Pope Pius XII, a historical study of Catholic missionary activity in the Philippines, and An Introduction to the Catholic Church of Asia (1987), published in connection with the Cardinal Bea Studies of Loyola School of Theology. His work reflects an interest in the historical foundations of evangelization and the distinctive experiences of the Catholic Church in Asia. Through his pastoral service and scholarly writing, he contributed to the intellectual and institutional resources available for missionary and pastoral formation in the region.