Leo Morris Clarke (29 August 1923 – 3 June 2006) was an Australian bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maitland in New South Wales from 1976 to 1995.
He initiated the synod of 1992–93, a sustained consultation process involving clergy and laity coming to grips with the issues raised by the Second Vatican Council.
During his time as Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Clarke concealed the sexual crimes of abusive priests in the diocese, including Denis McAlinden, James Fletcher, David O'Hearn and Vincent Ryan.
[3][4] In 1996, Clarke and Cotter were interviewed by NSW Police in relation to the sexual abuse of children by Father Vincent Ryan.
In 2020, in advance of the broadcast of ABC's series Revelation, Bishop William Wright ordered the removal of a plaque in Maitland Cathedral celebrating the life of Clarke.