Joseph Calasanz was a 16th-century Spanish priest and educator who dedicated his life to providing free schooling to underprivileged children. Born in the Kingdom of Aragon, he studied law and theology before moving to Rome in 1592. There, he established the first free public school in Europe, which eventually led to the founding of the Piarist religious order. Known for his commitment to teaching both literacy and religious instruction, he remained in Rome for most of his adult life, where he also provided aid during times of plague and natural disasters.