Jesuit astronomers founded the astronomical research institution in 1582. The lifestyle brand will feature the foundation's imprimatur, incorporating elements of art, architecture, sculpture and historical artifacts.

The initial program will focus on gifts and collectibles, publishing, stationery, home décor, housewares and toys. Creative Properties will extend the brand into mobile phone apps, digital accessories, e-commerce and payment solutions. In addition, the program will seek to incorporate live events including vacation tours and museum and mall exhibits.

Current licensees include Enesco for a non-exclusive gift line, Eternal Image for memorial products, Browntrout Publishers for calendars, and other major housewares and gift manufacturers.

"Creative Properties is honored to represent, via the Vatican Observatory Foundation, one of the world's most revered and exalted symbols of faith, inspiration and spirituality," says Steve Scebelo, principal and senior vice president of new business development at Creative Properties. "We're looking forward to creating and marketing a distinctive evergreen lifestyle brand that will be inspirational and uplifting and will be embraced by Catholics as well as the broader market of the faithful."

"We believe that the glory and depth of the Vatican Observatory Foundation name and all that it represents will be the basis of a very powerful lifestyle statement that will resonate with the faithful," says Fr. George Coyne, SJ, president, Vatican Observatory Foundation and director emeritus, Vatican Observatory.

A portion of the proceeds from the licensing program will be used by the Vatican Observatory Foundation to fund education and research initiatives in the sciences and mathematics.