The Jesuits, formally known as the Society of Jesus, are a Roman Catholic religious order of priests and brothers founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions. They are dedicated to serving the Church through education, missionary work, and charitable activities, with a strong emphasis on seeking God in all things and promoting justice

. The order began when Ignatius, a former soldier turned mystic, gathered a group of like-minded men at the University of Paris in 1534. They took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, including a special obedience to the pope, committing themselves to any mission the pope might assign. The Society was officially recognized by Pope Paul III in 1540

. Jesuits are known for their intellectual rigor, missionary zeal, and adaptability. They have been influential in education worldwide, founding schools and universities, and have historically been active in evangelization across diverse regions such as Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their spirituality, called Ignatian Spirituality, focuses on finding God in all aspects of life and includes the practice of the "Spiritual Exercises," a guide to deepening one's relationship with God

. The Jesuits also emphasize obedience, flexibility, and a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and dialogue between cultures and religions. Today, there are about 17,000 Jesuits serving in over 100 countries, continuing their mission of faith and justice in various ministries

. In summary, the Jesuits are a Catholic religious order founded in the 16th century, devoted to education, missionary work, and social justice, inspired by the spirituality and vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola