Who was the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)?

The founder of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, is St. Ignatius of Loyola. He established this religious order in 1534 as part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Ignatius and his companions aimed to create a community dedicated to education, missionary work, and the service of the Pope, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and the exercises he developed, known as the Spiritual Exercises.

St. Ignatius's influence extended across Europe and beyond, contributing to the revitalization of the Catholic Church during a time of significant religious upheaval. This represented a strategic effort to spread Catholicism and counter the Protestant Reformation.

Other figures mentioned in the choices played different roles in the religious landscape of the time. St. Francis of Assisi is known for founding the Franciscan order and living a life of poverty and service. Martin Luther was a key figure in initiating the Protestant Reformation through his Ninety-Five Theses, while John Calvin is associated with the development of Reformed theology. Each had a significant impact on Christianity but not in the context of founding the Jesuits.