≡Foundation of the Society of Jesus (1540)
On August 15, 1534, the Spanish priest Ignatius of Loyola, together with a group of companions, founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuit Order
This event occurred in the context of the Modern Age, a historical period that extends from the 15th century to the end of the 18th century. The creation of the Society of Jesus is closely linked to the Protestant Reformation, a religious movement initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, which caused a division in the Catholic Church and generated intense religious disputes in Europe.
The mission of the Jesuits was to reaffirm the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church, responding to the growth of Protestantism and the increasing secularization of European society. The Order stood out for its emphasis on education, the promotion of charitable works and missionary work, playing a fundamental role in the Counter-Reformation. Jesuits such as Francis Xavier brought Christianity to many parts of the world, including Asia and Latin America.
The Society of Jesus established itself as one of the most powerful religious orders in the history of the Church, with a lasting influence in areas such as education, science and politics, especially until the 18th century, when it was temporarily suppressed by Pope Clement XIV.
