The Society of Jesus

The Jesuits (Latin: Societas Iesu, S.J., SJ, or SI) is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called the Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as «God's Marines» and as «The Company». The order was founded in 1534 by Ignatius Loyola and approved by Paul III in 1540 year. The members of the order along with three traditional vows (poverty, obedience and chastity) make the fourth - obedience to the Pope «in matters of missions». The motto of the Order is «Ad majorem Dei gloriam» («To the greater glory of God»). The basic principles of the order: strict discipline and strict centralization, unquestioning obedience of Junior members of the order to Senior, the absolute authority of the head - eternal general («Black Pope»), that reported directly to the Pope.