Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, Prefect emeritus of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, was born on 18 April 1929 in Ozieri (Sardinia), Italy. He was ordained for the Vatican clergy on 23 December 1951 and holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, a licentiate in Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a doctorate in utroque iure from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome.

He started working at the Tribunal of the Roman Rota in 1955 and held various positions, including Defender of the Bond. He was named a Prelate Auditor in 1969 and Dean in 1993. He was also President of the Appellate Court of Vatican City State. 

Appointed titular Archbishop of Bisarcio on 29 November 1997, he received episcopal ordination from the Holy Father on 6 January 1998.

On 16 November 1999 he was appointed Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and President of the Court of Cassation of Vatican City State. He is the author of three books and many articles on canon law.

Prefect emeritus of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, 27 Mary 2004.

He participated in the conclave of April 2005, which elected Pope Benedict XVI.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by St. John Paul II in the Consistory of 21 February 2001, of the Deaconry of the Annunciazione della Beata Vergine Maria a Via Ardeatina (Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Via Ardeatina).

Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda died on 18 October 2006.