Fr. Robert greeting Pope Francis during a private audience for the Impact Investing for the Poor Congress

Fr. Robert A. Twele, OFM Conv., Esq. participated in a congress to identify current and practicable forms of investment for greater social equality, entitled “Impact Investing for the Poor,” sponsored by the Pontifical Council  for Justice and Peace, including the president of the council, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, and Catholic Relief Services, held in Rome the week of June 16th.  The participants were received in a private audience by Pope Francis.

Fr. Robert with Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Archbishop emeritus of Cape Coast (Ghana)

Impact Investing is a form of investment that can benefit local communities and the environment, as well as providing a reasonable return. Investors who follow this practice are conscious of the existence of serious unjust situations, instances of profound social inequality and unacceptable conditions of poverty affecting communities and entire peoples. These investors turn to financial institutes which will use their resources to promote the economic and social development of these groups, through investment funds aimed at satisfying basic needs associated with agriculture, access to water, adequate housing and reasonable prices, as well as with primary health care and educational services.