The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank, is the financial institution of the Holy See, established in 1942 to safeguard and administer assets entrusted for religious and charitable purposes. Unlike a commercial bank, the IOR serves a limited client base consisting primarily of Catholic religious orders, dioceses, Vatican entities, clergy, and other Church institutions around the world. The Institute provides banking, investment, and payment services that are designed to align with Catholic ethical principles, and it directs its profits toward supporting the Church's religious and charitable mission. Following significant governance and compliance ref...
