Vatican Bank Launches Catholic Principles–Based Stock Indexes in US and Europe

Vatican Bank Launches Catholic Principles–Based Stock Indexes in US and Europe
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The Vatican Bank, formally known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), has launched two new equity stock indexes based on Catholic ethical principles, covering major companies in the United States and Europe, Business Insider reported.

Developed in partnership with financial research firm Morningstar, the new benchmarks aim to guide faith-based and ethical investment strategies. The indexes select companies considered compatible with Catholic teachings on the protection of life, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, while excluding firms involved in activities deemed inconsistent with those principles.

According to Morningstar, each index includes 50 large and mid-cap companies. The US-based index features major corporations such as Meta and Amazon, while the European index includes firms including ASML and Deutsche Telekom. Morningstar emphasized that inclusion does not imply endorsement of all company activities but reflects overall alignment with defined ethical screening criteria.

The initiative comes as part of broader efforts by the Vatican to promote responsible investing and restore confidence in the Vatican Bank following past financial scandals. In recent years, the IOR has implemented governance reforms and increased transparency to align its operations with international financial standards.

Vatican officials said the indexes are intended to support investors seeking financial returns while adhering to moral and social values rooted in Catholic social teaching.