Editing Ignatius of Loyola (section)

===Pilgrimage and Education===

In 1523, Ignatius embarked on a pilgrimage to [[Jerusalem]], hoping to remain there and work for the conversion of Muslims. However, the [[Franciscan]] custodians of the Holy Land, fearing for his safety and the diplomatic complications his activities might cause, ordered him to return to Europe.

Recognizing that he needed formal education to effectively serve souls, Ignatius began his studies at the age of thirty-three. He studied [[Latin]] grammar alongside young boys in [[Barcelona]] (1524–1526), then proceeded to the universities of [[Alcalá de Henares|Alcalá]] (1526–1527) and [[Salamanca]] (1527). At both Spanish universities, his spiritual activities and informal teaching attracted the suspicion of the [[Spanish Inquisition]], and he was briefly imprisoned and investigated, though ultimately cleared of heresy. This period reflected the complex religious environment of 16th-century Spain, where reform movements and spiritual innovation were viewed with suspicion by Church authorities.

In 1528, Ignatius moved to [[Paris]], where he studied at the [[University of Paris]] for seven years (1528–1535). He earned a Master of Arts degree from the [[Collège Sainte-Barbe]]. Paris proved more conducive to his apostolic work, and it was here that he gathered the core group of companions who would become the founding members of the Society of Jesus.