Born in Indianapolis, Ind. in 1954, Michael Perry began his university studies in pre-law at Indiana University. In 1977, he joined the Franciscans. He served as a missionary and instructor in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1981–82 and 1985–90. Following theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (MDiv, MA), he went to the University of Birmingham, UK, where he completed PhD studies in religious anthropology. From 2000–05, he served as foreign policy advisor to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. From 2005-–07, he served as Africa advisor at Franciscans International, and advisor in peacebuilding and reconciliation at  Catholic Relief Services from 2007–08. He was elected provincial of his Franciscan province in St. Louis, Mo., in 2008. The following year, he was elected Vicar General of the Franciscan worldwide Order and was transferred to Rome. From 2013–21, he served as Minister General and Servant of the worldwide Franciscans. In January 2023, he was named Director of the newly-created Laudato Si' Center for Integral Ecology at Siena College, Albany, N.Y., a position he currently holds. Perry also  serves as the president of the International Board of Directors of Franciscans International and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Laudato Si' Movement.