Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has died aged 86, is to be laid to rest in a state funeral on a day of mourning.
Ednews reports that late former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is being honored by a national day of mourning on Wednesday, as his casket was brought into Milan's Duomo cathedral for a state funeral.
Although state funerals have been accorded to former premiers in the past, it is the first time a national day of mourning has been held for an ex-leader in Italy.
The decision to do so was taken by a government that contains members of the late premier's former party, Forza Italia, and has raised some controversy in view of Berlusconi's scandal-ridden political career and doubtful legacy.
Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Duomo to say goodbye to Berlusconi, as his flower-draped casket was hoisted out of the hearse and into the cathedral.
His children and companion, along with many Italian political figures were in attendance.
Berlusconi died on Monday aged 86. Milan is the the city where he made his billions as a media mogul before entering politics in 1994.