Poker of appointments for Cardinal Repole, now Leone appoints him to the dicastery of the Economy

Pope Francis has renewed the Council for Economy with new appointments, including two women under the age of 40. The council, established in 2014 by Pope Francis, serves as a body of oversight and guidance, responsible for monitoring financial management and administrative activities within Vatican institutions, including the dicasteries of the Holy See and the State of the City of Vatican City. Among the newly appointed members are four cardinals and several professionals with international experience, including two young female managers. The new additions include four cardinals: Grzegorz Ryś, archbishop of Kraków, from Poland; Ladislav Nemet, archbishop of Belgrade, from Serbia; Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers of French origin; and Roberto Repole, archbishop of Turin. Also joining the council are two young women with international managerial backgrounds, Princess Gisela of Liechtenstein, representing Industrie und Finanzkontor Etablissements, and Elena Wettstein Principato from UBS Group. Denis Duverne, a Frenchman with experience at Axa and currently president of the Foundation for Medical Research since 2017, has also been named. Paolo Nusiner, born in Bergamo in 1963 and holding a degree in Economics and Commerce from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, joins the council after a career spanning industry, publishing, academia, and healthcare. Since June 2015, he has served as director general of the Directorate for General Affairs within the Dicastery for Communication. The council’s coordinator remains Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich. Other confirmed members include Charlotte Kreuter-Kirchhof as vice-coordinator, along with cardinals Odilo Pedro Scherer, archbishop of São Paulo; Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, archbishop of Québec; and Joseph William Tobin, archbishop of Newark (United States). Additionally, Leslie Jane Ferrar, a trustee administrator for the Archbishop of Westminster (United Kingdom), and Alberto Minali, CEO of Revo Insurance, have been appointed as members. Monsignor Brian Edwin Ferme has been named secretary of the council. Cardinal Roberto Repole, who was previously serving as archbishop of Turin, has received a new assignment to the dicastery of the Economy. This marks a significant expansion of his responsibilities within the Vatican administration. His appointment reflects the ongoing efforts to diversify leadership roles and bring fresh perspectives into key areas of governance. The renewal of the council underscores the Vatican's continued focus on maintaining transparency and efficiency in its financial operations. With the inclusion of younger professionals and women, the council appears to be evolving toward greater inclusivity and modernization. The presence of individuals with international experience suggests a broader strategic vision aimed at aligning Vatican economic practices with global standards. The Vatican’s financial oversight structure has long drawn public scrutiny, particularly regarding the allocation and management of funds. The recent changes to the council reflect a response to these concerns, emphasizing accountability and expertise. As the council moves forward, its role in guiding and regulating financial matters will remain central to the Vatican’s internal governance. The new appointments signal a shift toward more diverse representation and professional engagement in decision-making processes.