Who was Saint Ignatius of Loyola?

Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits, in 1541 alongside six companions. Drawing on his background as a former soldier, he emphasized rigorous spiritual formation and recorded his methods in the Spiritual Exercises. Under his leadership, the Jesuits became instrumental in leading the Counter-Reformation and focusing on missionary work and teaching.

What we know

• Ignatius of Loyola was born Íñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola and lived from approximately October 23, 1491, to July 31, 1556. [1, 2]
• He founded the Society of Jesus in Paris in 1541 with six companions and served as its first Superior General. [2]
• In addition to standard monastic vows, Loyola instituted a fourth vow for Jesuits requiring absolute obedience to the Pope for projects ordained by the pontiff. [2]
• He recorded his spiritual formation methods for recruits in the Spiritual Exercises, published in 1548. [2]

Where to go next

• how it workedWhat are the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius?
• what followedHow did the Jesuits shape the Counter-Reformation?
• the bigger pictureWhat is the Society of Jesus?
• a case in pointSt Ignatius College in London
• whoPope Pius XI
• an unexpected connectionHow is Alfred Hitchcock connected to Saint Ignatius?Filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock attended St Ignatius College, a secondary school founded by the Society of Jesus which traces its educational lineage directly back to Ignatius of Loyola.

Sources

• [1]Ignatius of Loyola (Wikidata Q44281) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Ignatius of Loyola · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]St Ignatius College, Enfield · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]St. Ignatius College Prep · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Loyola School (New York City) · CC BY-SA 4.0