Final answer:
In 1540, Pope Paul III approved the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, founded by Ignatius Loyola, which played a significant role in the spread of Catholicism and educational and missionary activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1540, Pope Paul III approved the religious order known as the Society of Jesus, which was begun by Ignatius Loyola. The correct answer to the question is C) Jesuits. The Jesuits were established with the intent of spreading Roman Catholicism and countering the Reformation's spread of Protestantism. Unlike other religious orders at the time, the Jesuits were involved in various missions, including the education of young men, the conversion of non-Christians, and serving as advisers to European rulers. They are known for their missionary work and for their detailed annual reports, such as the Jesuit Relations, which provide insight into their interactions with indigenous peoples in places like New France (Canada)