What American Would You Appoint to the Pontifical Commission on Economic Structures?

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm by Lisa M. Hendey

What American Would You Appoint to the Pontifical Commission on Economic Structures? 2015-03-12T16:49:39-07:00 Lisa M. Hendey

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Today’s news about Pope Francis’ appointment of a Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organization of the economic-administrative structure of the Holy See has me pondering the commission’s members:

Dr. Joseph FX Zahra (Malta), President
Msgr. Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda (Secretary of the Prefecture for Economic Affairs), Secretary
Mr Jean-Baptiste de Franssu (France)
Dr. Enrique Llano (Spain)
Dr. Jochen Messemer (Germany)
Ms. Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui (Italy)
Mr. Jean Videlain-Sevestre (France)
Mr. George Yeo (Singapore)

I enjoyed watching this Rome Reports video to learn more about the goal of the Commission:

Video link

Viewing the video and knowing that Pope Francis is desirous of administrative structures which aim at “simplification and rationalization of the existing bodies and more careful planning of the economic activities of all the Vatican Administrations” reassures me about the direction he is taking in the wake of so much devastating financial news.

But I’ll admit to a bit of nationalistic pride — I looked at the Commission’s members and wondered to myself, “…no one from the US?”

And then I began to play the mental game: “What American would I appoint?”

I’m not a businesswoman. And I’m by no means savvy about international economics. So the names I began to come up with were extremely reflective of my status as a suburban housewife, living in Fresno. “Mr. XYZ could do it,” I thought to myself. “He’s really built us his Italian restaurant dynasty in the Central Valley. And he’s a holy man with a wonderful ethical attitude.” Trying to think with greater sophistication, I remembered a top notch Catholic real estate developer, and a strong, solid businesswoman who does estate planning.

Lame? Perhaps. But what Vatican Pontifical Commission wouldn’t benefit from a dash of “real world” perspective from a faith-filled Catholic who sits in the pew of a local parish on Sunday and spends the other six days of the week trying to keep a business afloat?

I’m turning to you for your suggestions – who would you like to see (hypothetically, obviously!) represent the US if such a spot were offered on the Commission? And perhaps more importantly than names, please share your thoughts on the character of the person you think would be the correct choice. The combox is open for your input!

News

@Pontifex

Pontifical Commission on Economics

Pope Francis

Previous Post

July 19, 2013

Sweet Tweets Roundup for 7/19/13 -- The Way to Holiness

Next Post

July 19, 2013 Stayed Updated on Thomas Peters' Recovery: Information Website Up and Running

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category @Pontifex Books Catholic Geek Stuff Catholic Moments Family Life Good Measures Liturgical Calendar New Evangelization News Reviews Rwanda Saints Speaking Tanzania Journal Top Catholic Tweets Travel Uncategorized Vocations Yes

Select a Month August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does the name "Abraham" mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Strong leader Father of many Shelter Blessed man