Pope Condemns 'War'; Vatican Bank Profits From It
Pope Leo XIV, a fresh face in the Vatican, used his Christmas homily to lament the 'open wounds' of war in what Al-Monitor framed as a hopeful message. Yet, like most mainstream reporting on papal pronouncements, it conveniently omits the Vatican's historical economic ties to industries that benefit from global instability. While the Pope speaks of peace, the Vatican Bank (Istituto per le Opere di
Religione, or IOR) reportedly held assets exceeding €5 billion as recently as 2018, with investment strategies remaining opaque concerning defense contractor involvement. No condemnation of those profiting from the very 'wounds' he mourns. One might wonder if the 'senselessness' of war also applies to the financial portfolios that indirectly (or directly) support military-industrial complexes
worldwide. How many 'open wounds' are closed before the balance sheets are audited? Perhaps 'hope for peace' should start with transparency in theological investment.