Saint John of the Cross, Carmelite friar and priest of Marranoorigin, is a major figure of the Spanish Counter-Reformation, a mystic and Roman Catholic saint. He is one of thirty-six Doctors of the Church.
John of the Cross is known especially for his writings. He Was mentored by and corresponded with the older Carmelite, Teresa of Avila. Both his poetry and his studies on the development of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature as of all Spanish literature. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.