St. Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish Catholic priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. He was born in 1491 and is considered one of the most important figures in the Counter-Reformation, a movement within the Catholic Church that aimed to counter the effects of the Protestant Reformation. Synonyms for St. Ignatius of Loyola could include "Ignacio de Loyola" (the Spanish version of his name), "founder of the Jesuits," "Jesuit order founder," or simply "St. Ignatius." His legacy continues to influence the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church today.