Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and Western Moral Theology

Promotion of the Common Good: Investments should support companies and projects that contribute to the welfare of the community, respecting human rights and environmental sustainability. They should help build a more just and compassionate society, in line with the Catholic understanding of the common good.

• Summa Theologica, Part II-II, Question 58, Article 6
• Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), Vatican II, 1965
• Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), Pope Benedict XVI, 2009
• Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), Pope Benedict XVI, 2005

Respect for Human Dignity: Investment decisions should reflect a commitment to human dignity. This entails avoiding companies that exploit workers, discriminate unjustly, or are involved in human rights abuses. Catholics are called to invest in entities that uphold ethical labor practices and contribute positively to the well-being of employees and communities. This also includes recognizing and not confusing Biblical gender distinctions and cherishing the gift of dignity and complementation of both genders.

• Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 29, Article 3
• Rerum Novarum (On the Condition of Labor), Pope Leo XIII, 1891
• Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II, 1995
• Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), Vatican II, 1965

Stewardship of Creation: Catholics are reminded of their responsibility to care for the Earth as God’s creation. Investments should therefore avoid the worst offenders within each industry that cause significant harm to the environment or contribute to the unsustainable depletion of natural resources.

• Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 22, Article 1
• Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home), Pope Francis, 2015
• Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), Pope John XXIII, 1963

Avoidance of Sin: Catholics should steer clear of investing in businesses that directly contradict core moral values, such as those involved in abortion, pornography, arms trade contributing to unjust wars, or other activities deemed intrinsically evil by the Church.

• Summa Theologica, Part II-II, Question 154, Article 2
• Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of Truth), Pope John Paul II, 1993
• Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life), Pope Paul VI, 1968

Active Engagement: Beyond avoiding negative impacts, Catholics are encouraged to actively engage with their investments. This can involve participating in shareholder meetings, voting on corporate policies, and dialoguing with companies to advocate for ethical business practices.

• Summa Theologica, Part II-II, Question 47, Article 10
• Quadragesimo Anno (On the Reconstruction of the Social Order), Pope Pius XI, 1931
• Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher), Pope John XXIII, 1961
• Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (On Social Concern), Pope John Paul II, 1987

Prudence and Discernment: Making ethical investment decisions requires careful consideration and discernment. Catholics are encouraged to research and understand where their money is going, considering both the financial aspects and the moral implications of their investments.

• Summa Theologica, Part II-II, Question 47, Article 1
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1992, (CCC 1806)
• Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason), Pope John Paul II, 1998
• Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), Vatican II, 1964

Solidarity with the Poor and Vulnerable: Investment strategies should reflect a preference for projects and companies that benefit the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society. This is in keeping with the Church’s option for the poor and its call for economic justice.

• Summa Theologica, Part II-II, Question 32, Article 1
• Centesimus Annus (On the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum), Pope John Paul II, 1991
• Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples), Pope Paul VI, 1967
• Laborem Exercens (On Human Work), Pope John Paul II, 1981