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Properly known as the Society of Jesus, the Roman Catholic religious Order was founded in Spain by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, and was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540. Commonly known as Jesuits or Ignatians, its members are active in education, founding schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries, as well as in intellectual research, hospital ministries, and other tasks. Ignatius had a military background, and the Order's founding documents referred to members as soldiers of God. The Society participated in the Counter-Reformation and in the implementation of the Second Vatican Council. The Society's headquarters is in Rome. In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Jesuit Pope, assuming the name Pope Francis. The Jesuits form the largest single religious Order of priests and brothers in the Catholic Church, although the Franciscan family of orders is larger. The Jesuits peaked in the 1950s and their numbers have been in decline since. The Society is headed by a Superior General who is elected by the General Congregation for life or resignation, and confirmed by the Pope. The Superior General is aided by assistants, who generally reside with him in Rome, forming an advisory council to the Superior General. The Society is divided into geographic provinces, which are headed by a Provincial Superior, chosen by the Superior General. The Jesuit provinces are grouped into six Jesuit Conferences worldwide. Each Jesuit community within a province is headed by a Rector, who is assisted by a Minister, who oversees the community's day-to-day needs. The Jesuits do not have an official habit. Historically a Jesuit-style cassock became standard issue, however. Wrapped around the body, it was tied with a cincture rather than a buttoned front. A tuftless square cap (biretta) and a cape (ferraiolo) completed the look. In colonial North America, the Jesuits were known as the Black Robes. Today, many Jesuits wear the clerical collar and black clothing of regular priests.

 

 

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