Founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, emerged as a response to the Protestant Reformation. This religious order aimed to spread Catholicism through education, missionary work, and spiritual guidance. The Jesuits became influential in the Counter-Reformation, establishing schools and universities, and their commitment to intellectual rigor and engagement with contemporary culture significantly shaped the Catholic Church's approach to modernity.

The establishment of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1540 had a profound impact on education and literature. Their emphasis on learning and the dissemination of ideas through schools and publications fostered a rich literary culture, influencing notable writers and poets who sought to explore and express complex theological and philosophical themes.