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

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!