Inigo Lopez de Loyola - subsequently known as Ignatius (of) Loyola - was born in 1491, and was a soldier until he was 30 years old.

Convalescing after being injured by a cannonball, he found himself contemplating spiritual matters more, and after a period of reflection in the caves of northern Spain, developed his Spiritual Exercises.

While studying for the priesthood in Paris, he met Francis Xavier and Pierre Favre, and the foundations of the Society of Jesus were laid.  It was officially approved by Pope Paul III in 1540, and Ignatius became its first Superior General.

Ignatius died on 31 July 1556.

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