In Dominic’s day, the Albigensian heresy was a movement that taught, among other things, that the material world was evil. When Dominic witnessed the spread of this heresy, he was moved with compassion for the people struggling with the concept of material good and evil. He saw a vital need for preachers who could effectively communicate the truth of the Catholic faith and help those who had fallen away to return. Inspired by this need, Dominic began to gather a small band of followers dedicated to preaching and teaching the Gospel. Dominic envisioned an order of preachers, characterized by dedicated scholarship and a systematic education, combined with the flexibility to serve in various contexts. In 1216, Pope Honorius III formally approved the Order of Preachers. He declared that the brethren of the Order would be "champions of the faith and true lights of the world." Dominic and his followers embarked on a mission to spread the Gospel throughout Europe and beyond. The Dominicans, as they became known, quickly grew and established centers of learning in important university cities like Paris and Bologna. Dominic died in 1221, after a life of tireless work, leaving behind a vibrant and expanding order dedicated to preaching the saving truth of Jesus Christ. His legacy continues to this day through the Order of Preachers, faithfully fulfilling their mission to bring the word of God to all people.