Monte Carlo – November 2003. Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior, at the invitation of HSH Sovereign Prince Rainier III of Monaco, attended the Solemn Mass, sung by His Excellency Bernard Barsil, Archbishop of Monaco, on the occasion of the national feast of the Principality. As a guest of the Sovereign Prince, Cardinal Pompedda later greeted the Monegasque crowds from the balcony of Princely Palace.
As part of the European Congress of the International Union of the Catholic Jurists, held in the Principality the following day, the Cardinal Grand Prior announced officially his pontifical nomination as Ecclesiastical Counsellor to the Order. Later on together with the Secretary of State of the Principality, His Excellency René Novella, who has edited the French edition, and Professor Leonardo Saviano, who is the official historian of the Principality, the Cardinal introduced the book on the Grand Magistry of the Order by Professor Ettore Gallo.