Francis X. Clooney

Francis X. Clooney, S.J., is the Parkman Professor of Divinity and Professor of Comparative Theology at Harvard Divinity School. He has served as Director of Harvard’s Center for the Study of World Religions (2010–2017) and currently works on Hindu ritual theology and interfaith studies. Educated with a BA from Fordham University, MDiv from Weston School of Theology, and PhD in South Asian Languages and Civilizations (University of Chicago, 1984), Clooney bridges Hindu and Christian traditions as a Roman Catholic priest, Jesuit for 55+ years, and active parish celebrant.

• Education:
  • BA, Fordham University
  • MDiv, Weston School of Theology
  • PhD, University of Chicago (1984)

His scholarship focuses on comparative theology, Sanskrit and Tamil Hindu theological commentaries, and Jesuit missionary discourse in Asia. He has published 15+ books and articles including studies on Vedanta Desika, Ramanuja, and Hindu-Christian dialogue. His 2023 festschrift and 2024 honorary doctorates mark his global influence. Recent projects include translating Tamil ālvār hymns and exploring interfaith studies futures.

• Research Trends:
  • 2010–2024: Hindu-Christian theological parallels
  • 2013: Divine absence in religious traditions
  • 2020–2022: Jesuit mission in South India
  • 1990–2013: Mimamsa and Vedanta theological frameworks

Scientific Honors:

• Fellow of the British Academy (2010)
• Wiley Blackwell festschrift (2023)
• Honorary doctorates (Scranton 2023, Le Moyne 2024)
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2025)

As 2022–2023 President of the Catholic Theological Society of America, he advanced interfaith dialogue. His pandemic-era homilies and 50-year vegetarian advocacy reflect personal commitments to lived theology.