Roman Catholic Cardinal. Piacenza born Mario Nasalli Rocca di Corneliano came from a noble family, the son of count and a marchioness. Nephew of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Nasalli Rocca di Corneliano, Archbishop of Bologna, Mario underwent studies in Rome at the Pontifical Roman Seminary, the Pontifical Roman Athenaeum of Sant'Apollinare and the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. Ordained priest on April 9, 1927, he was named canon of the Reverend Chapter of Saint Peter's Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, Privy Chamberlain of His Holiness on November 22, 1931 and Domestic Prelate of His Holiness on July 1, 1949. Appointed Master of the Papal Chamber on October 29, 1958 by Pope John XXIII, his successor Paul VI named him prefect of the Apostolic Palace on August 15, 1967. A familiar face alongside four Pontiffs, during the Second World War, as chaplain of the Roman Regina Coeli prison, he assisted numerous Italians during their executions, later recollecting and publishing his memoirs under the name "Accanto ai Condannati a Morte". Pope Pius XII himself silently noted and deeply admired his difficult pastoral mission. Elected archbishop of the titular see of Anzio on April 11, 1969, he received his episcopal consecration nine days later inside St. Peter's Patriarchal Vatican Basilica from Cardinal Paolo Marella. Pope Paul VI created him cardinal deacon in the consistory of April 28, 1969 with the deaconry of San Giovanni Battista Decollato. Opting for the order of cardinal priests, his deaconry was elevated 'pro illa vice' to title on June 30, 1979. Nasalli Rocca died on November 9, 1988 at 21.30 pm., inside a clinic in Rome after suffering from a cerebral ictus. Due to his frail health, the Cardinal had been recovered inside a home beside the Lago di Nemi for the last months of his life. His solemn funeral mass took place on the following Friday, November 11 at noon, at the altar of the chair of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica presided by Pope John Paul II. Later that day, his body was transferred to Vigolzone, Piacenza, where a vigil was held during the evening. Another funeral mass was celebrated at 15.30 pm., on Saturday, presided by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, prior to interment inside the church of San Mario Martire which was erected years before by Cardinal Nasalli Rocca himself.