Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Basque: Ignazio Loiolakoa, Spanish: Ignacio de Loyola) (1491 – July 31, 1556) is a Spanish knight from a Basque noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founds the Society of Jesus and is its first Superior General.

Ignatius emerges as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation.

Loyola's devotion to the Church is characterized by unquestioning obedience to everything said by her hierarchy.

After being seriously wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, he undergoes a spiritual conversion while in recovery.

De Vita Christi by Ludolph of Saxony inspires Loyola to abandon his previous military life and devote himself to labor for God, following the example of spiritual leaders such as Francis of Assisi.

He experiences a vision of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus while at the shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat in March 1522.

Hereafter he goes to Manresa, where he begins praying for seven hours a day, often in a nearby cave, while formulating the fundamentals of the Spiritual Exercises.

In September 1523, Loyola reaches the Holy Land to settle there, but is sent back to Europe by the Franciscans.

Between 1524 and 1537, Ignatius studies theology and Latin in Spain and then in Paris.

In 1534, he arrives in the latter city during a period of anti-Protestant turmoil which forces John Calvin to flee France.

He and a few followers bind themselves by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

In 1539, they form the Society of Jesus, approved in 1540 by Pope Paul III, who also approves his Spiritual Exercises in 1548.

Loyola also composes the Constitutions of the Society.

He dies in July 1556, is beatified by Pope Paul V in 1609 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, and declared patron of all spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922.

Ignatius' feast day is celebrated on July 31.

Ignatius is a foremost patron saint of soldiers, the Society of Jesus, the Basque Country, and the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Biscay.