Saint John of the Cross, born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez, was a Spanish mystic, poet, and Carmelite friar of the 16th century. He is known for his writings on the spiritual life and his poems. John of the Cross was a key figure in the Catholic Reformation and is considered one of the foremost poets in the Spanish language. He is best known for his writings on the "Dark Night of the Soul," describing the journey of the soul towards union with God. Saint John of the Cross was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.
