Objective scientific study of the almost five-century history of the Jesuits (Society of Jesus) - the male spiritual order of the Roman Church, founded in 1540 and existing to this day. The author describes the emergence of the order and notes all the most important stages through which its development passed. Tells how a kind of Catholic salvation army under the high command of the pope spread its teachings in Europe, and then, through the efforts of missionaries, in America, Japan, China and Africa.