The Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuit Order or the Jesuits, is a religious order of clerics regular of pontifical right for men in the Catholic Church headquartered in Rome. It was founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola and six companions, with the approval of Pope Paul III. The society is engaged in evangelization and apostolic ministry in 112 nations. Jesuits work in education, research, and cultural pursuits. Jesuits also conduct retreats, minister in hospitals and parishes, sponsor direct social and humanitarian ministries, and promote ecumenical dialogue. Jesuit missionaries established missions around the world from the 16th to the 18th century and had both successes and failures in Christianizing the native peoples. The Jesuits have always been controversial within the Catholic Church and have frequently clashed with secular governments and institutions. Jesuits take three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and a fourth vow of obedience specifically in regard to worldwide mission. They are committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice. They seek to find God in all things and dedicate themselves to the greater glory of God and the good of all humanity. They care for the whole person: body, mind, and soul, and especially in their education ministries, they seek to nurture "men and women for others".