Who were the Jesuits?

The Jesuits are indeed members of the Society of Jesus, which was founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola and a group of his companions. The primary mission of the Jesuits was to promote education, missionary work, and the Catholic faith in response to the Protestant Reformation. They became known for their emphasis on intellectual rigor and made significant contributions to education through the establishment of schools and universities worldwide. Their work also included engaging in missions that sought to spread Christianity and address social issues during their time.

This answer is rooted in the historical context of the 16th century when the Catholic Church was looking to strengthen its influence and counter the spread of Protestantism. The Society of Jesus played a crucial role in the Catholic Counter-Reformation, which aimed to reform the Church from within and reaffirm its doctrines and practices, making them pivotal figures in both religious and educational spheres.