Fr. Francis has deep ties to CTU, where he prepared for priesthood (as a classmate of the future Pope Leo XIV), taught as an assistant professor and professor, and then served as president.
Fr. Mark Francis first met the Viatorians when he attended Saint Viator High School. As a student he enjoyed all the benefits of a Viatorian education, from its rigorous academics, to its rich faith tradition and fine arts activities. Yet, it was the Viatorians themselves – his teachers – who made the lasting impact.
Upon graduating from Saint Viator in 1971, Fr. Francis attended Loyola University Chicago where he earned a history degree in 1975. He entered the novitiate later that year and then professed his first vows as a Viatorian in 1976. Fr. Francis continued his studies at Catholic Theological Union, gradauting in 1982 earned a master’s in divinity and a master’s in theology as a classmate with Robert Prevost, OSA, who was elected pope in 2025.
After being ordained later in 1982, he ministered in Colombia for the next two years, as chaplain and leader of the scholarship program at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá and as formation director for the foundation.
In 1984, Fr. Francis went to Rome to study at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of St. Anselm, where he obtained a Pontifical License (1986) and Doctorate (1987). He returned to CTU in 1987 as assistant professor of liturgy and taught there for 12 years, before being promoted to full professor of liturgy in the Spring of 2000.
Shortly after his promotion, Fr. Francis was elected Superior General, the leader of the worldwide Viatorian Community. He served two, six-year terms, until 2012, followed by a sabbatical at Santa Clara University.
Fr. Mark Francis with members of the Provincial Council: Fr. Thomas von Behren, Fr. Edgar Suarez and Br. Michael Gosch (not pictured: Fr. Richard Rinn)
In the spring of 2013, he was elected President of Catholic Theological Union. Fr. Francis led CTU for the next seven years before stepping down in 2020 and taking a short sabbatical.
“Being president of CTU has been a wonderful and life-changing experience,” Fr. Francis said at the time of his election. “I will remain forever grateful to God for the privilege of this ministry. I have often said that I have had three incarnations in this institution: as student, faculty member, and president. CTU has been an integral part of my religious and ministerial life since 1978.”
Midway through his tenure as president of CTU, his brothers in the province elected him a provincial councilor in 2017. Near the end of Fr. Dan Hall’s term as Provincial, the election in November 2022 resulted in Fr. Francis being elected Provincial Superior.
More on Fr. Francis from Viatorians.com:
- Fr. Francis and Our Viatorian Connection to Pope Leo XIV (2025): Following Pope Leo XIV’s election, Fr. Francis issued a statement and reflected on “Bob” to several media outlets in print and on television.
- On the Death of Pope Francis (2025): Fr. Francis reflected on the ministry and legacy of the late pope.
- Easter Greeting from Fr. Francis (2025): In a first, Fr. Francis began offering a video greeting for major Catholic, Viatorian holidays with this Easter message.
- Fr. Francis: Teaching Is a Vocation (2025): Fr. Francis visited the faculty and staff of Cristo Rey St. Viator to offer a morning of reflection.
- On General Chapters (Viatorian Voices podcast appearance – 2024): Fr. Francis shared reflections on participating in every General Chapter for over 40 years!
- Presenting to the Archdiocese of Las Vegas on Interculturality (2024): Fr. Francis was the featured speaker for Chrism Day, at the invitation of Archbishop George Leo Thomas.
- Fr. Francis Program Offers Crucial Support (2023): In honor of his intercultural, international service, Fr. Francis’ alma mater Saint Viator named its international program after him.
- Reflections on an Encounter with Pope Benedict (2023): In the wake of Benedict XVI’s death, Fr. Francis recalled his encounter with the late pope.
- Fr. Francis Installed as 19th Provincial (2022): The community celebrated Mass to install Fr. Francis and begin his council’s four-year term.
- New Provincial Elected (2022): The November 2022 Chapter of Election resulted in Fr. Francis being elected Provincial.
- Cardinal Bernardin and the Consistent Ethic of Life (Viatorian Voices podcast appearance – 2022): Fr. Francis recalled his encounters with the late Cardinal Bernardin and unpacks the meaning and importance of this crucial Catholic Social teaching.
- Yes, You Can Go Back Again (2021): Fr. Francis concelebrated Mass for the 50-year reunion of his own Saint Viator High School Class of 1971.
- On Viatorian Leadership (Viatorian Voices podcast appearance – 2021): Fr. Francis reflected on his roles as Superior General, provincial councilor, and in leadership and advisory positions for the community and our ministries.
- CTU Pays Tribute to Fr. Francis (2020): Just ahead of his retirement from CTU, a special celebration marked his seven years of leadership.
- Fr. Francis Looks Ahead (2020): Ever a supporter of CTU, Fr. Francis celebrated the naming of Sr. Barbara Reid, OP as his successor.
- Fr. Francis Addresses International Eucharistic Congress (2016): Fr. Francis gave this international gathering a talk on liturgy and inculturation.
Updated July 9, 2025 by Associate Dan Masterton.