Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did St. Ignatius of Loyola leave Spain for Paris?

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.

St. Ignatius of Loyola left Spain for Paris primarily due to legal and ecclesiastical restrictions placed upon his ministry.

After experiencing a spiritual awakening, Ignatius sought a formal education to better help others. However, while studying in Spain, he repeatedly fell under suspicion of heresy due to his unconventional preaching and the activities of his early followers. Despite being found innocent after being imprisoned and tried in both Alcalá and Salamanca, authorities eventually forbade him from teaching until he had completed his formal studies. This prohibition, which hindered his ability to engage in religious work, prompted him to leave his disciples and depart for Paris in 1528 to continue his academic training.1