Robert Bellarmine was an Italian Jesuit and a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, born on December 4, 1542. He is best known for his work in theology and his defense of the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation. Bellarmine was canonized as a saint in 1930 and is recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his significant contributions to Catholic doctrine. He played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation, engaging in debates with Protestant reformers and writing influential works, including Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei. His teachings emphasized the importance of the Church's authority and the sacraments, shaping Catholic thought for generations.