The Society of Jesus, commonly called Jesuits, was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions, with the approval of Pope Paul III. Today, the society is engaged in evangelisation, apostolic, and spiritual ministries. Jesuit communities and individuals work in education, research, in cultural pursuits, as retreat directors, in hospitals, in parishes, sponsoring direct social and humanitarian ministries, and promoting ecumenical dialogue.