The Jesuit Order, formally known as the Society of Jesus, was established in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola and a group of companions. This religious order emphasized education, missionary work, and the defense of the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation. The Jesuits became known for their rigorous educational institutions and played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation, influencing both religious and cultural landscapes across Europe and beyond.

The establishment of the Jesuit Order in 1540 had a profound impact on education and literature, fostering a rich tradition of poetry in various languages. Jesuit poets like Luis de León and Francisco de Quevedo contributed to the development of lyrical and didactic poetry, emphasizing moral and spiritual themes.