Father Robert O’Toole, SJ, is a biblical scholar and Jesuit priest this year celebrating 70 years in the Society of Jesus. He has dedicated his life to theological study and Jesuit higher education.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Fr. O’Toole graduated from St. Louis University High School and entered the Society of Jesus in 1954. He holds multiple advanced degrees in theology and Scripture, including a licentiate in philosophy and a licentiate in sacred theology (S.T.L.) from Saint Louis University, as well as a licentiate in sacred scripture (S.S.L.) and doctor of sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He is the author or editor of numerous publications, including four books on biblical topics, with a focus on Luke-Acts and the Pauline letters.

Father O’Toole taught at Saint Louis University from 1974 to 1991 and afterward was professor of New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, serving as academic rector from 1996 until 2002. From 2003 to 2014 he supported the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome through his service as president of the Gregorian University Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Father O’Toole returned to Saint Louis University in 2014, teaching in the theological studies department as an adjunct faculty member. Since 2018, he has worked part-time as an assistant in the office of admissions at SLU. He moved to St. Ignatius Hall in Florissant, Missouri, in January 2023, where he continues to serve the Society of Jesus and the Church through prayer.