VATICAN CITY, OCT. 19, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, who from 1999-2004 was prefect of the Apostolic Signature, the Church's supreme count, died Tuesday night. He was 77.
In a telegram, sent by Benedict XVI on hearing the news, the Pope recalled the service carried out by the Italian cardinal, a "distinguished jurist and for many years diligent collaborator of the Holy See, in particular of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota and of the Apostolic Signature, offering everywhere an appreciated testimony of priestly zeal and fidelity to the Gospel."
Cardinal Pompedda had been hospitalized for quite some time in a clinic in Rome, according to Vatican Radio.
Born in Ozieri, Sardinia, on April 18, 1929, he had been a priest since Dec. 23, 1951, and a bishop since Jan. 6, 1998. Pope John Paul II elevated him to cardinal in 2001.
He exercised his priestly ministry for 30 years in the parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the Monte Mario district of Rome.
The Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff announced that the cardinal's funeral will be presided over by Benedict XVI this Friday at 5 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica.
The College of Cardinals now has 187 members, including 115 electors who could participate in a conclave.
ZE06101922 - 2006-10-19
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-17957?l=english
Cardinal Pompedda Dies
Was a Past Prefect of the Apostolic Signature
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