La Compañía de Jesús, commonly known as the Jesuits, is a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola. The order is known for its commitment to education, missionary work, and social justice. Jesuits operate schools, colleges, and universities worldwide, emphasizing academic excellence and moral development. The Jesuits played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation and were instrumental in spreading Christianity in various parts of the world, including Asia and the Americas. Their approach combines spirituality with intellectual rigor, making them influential in both religious and secular spheres.