Francisco Suárez (1548-1617) was a Spanish Jesuit priest and philosopher, known for his significant contributions to metaphysics and political theory. He played a crucial role in the development of Scholasticism, a method of critical thought that sought to reconcile faith and reason. Suárez's works influenced many later thinkers and laid the groundwork for modern philosophy. Suárez is best known for his writings on natural law and the nature of sovereignty. His ideas on the relationship between the state and the individual were particularly influential during the Early Modern period. He is often regarded as one of the founders of modern political philosophy.