How many Jesuits were there when St. Ignatius of Loyola died in 1556?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Engraving by Lucas Vorsterman after Peter Paul Rubens showing St. Ignatius of Loyola with a halo, hands clasped in prayer before a crucifix and open book. — St. Ignatius of Loyola Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534. The Jesuit order received official papal approval in 1540 and became a key player in the Counter-Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries.

By the time of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s death in 1556, there were approximately 1,000 members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).12

At that time, the order was organized into 12 administrative units known as provinces, which were distributed across Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Portugal, India, and Brazil. These Jesuits were active in various roles, including education, missionary work, and serving as confessors to ruling families throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the New World.21