IOR (Institute for the Works of Religion)

The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank, is a financial institution established by the Vatican to manage funds supporting the Catholic Church’s charitable, religious, and pastoral activities. It provides banking services to Vatican employees, Catholic organizations, and some religious orders. The IOR operates under strict Vatican regulations but has historically faced scrutiny and transparency concerns due to occasional scandals and allegations of financial misconduct. Its primary goal is to facilitate the financial needs of the Church’s mission, ensuring proper management of funds while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with relevant laws.