The new IOR

More than 80 years after its establishment by the Chirograph of His Holiness Pius XII of 27 June 1942, and after a path of radical renewal, promoted and strongly supported by Pope Francis, the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR) is now a new Institute.

The new IOR is a modern financial institution, embedded in the international financial system, which, through an extensive network of partners, provides worldwide financial and payment services exclusively dedicated to the Catholic Church, in accordance with the best global regulatory standards for the prevention and combating of money laundering and terrorist financing.

Commonly known as the “Vatican Bank”, the new IOR is unique in the international financial landscape, distinguishing itself from any other financial institution in terms of its mission, clients, investments and distribution of profits.

It is the only Vatican entity authorised by the Supervisory and Financial Information Authority to carry out financial activities on a professional basis in the Vatican City State and, in this capacity, to serve the Catholic Church worldwide in full compliance with Catholic ethics and with the ultimate goal of devolving its profits for religious and charitable works.

The Institute is based exclusively in the sovereign territory of the Vatican City State and has no branches or subsidiaries.