Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi Takes Final Journey to Bid Farewell
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Passes Away at 86
On April 5, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, 86, was hospitalized for a lung infection. After some time, it was revealed that he was also receiving treatment for leukemia. Today, a state ceremony was held to bid farewell to Berlusconi, who passed away on June 12 at the hospital where he was being treated.
Thousands of people gathered at the Duomo Cathedral where Berlusconi’s body lay. Hours before the funeral began, the crowd outside the cathedral applauded as the vehicle carrying Berlusconi’s body arrived. Giant screens in Piazza del Duomo broadcasted live images of the ceremony for the onlookers.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the funeral, which took place at Milan’s Duomo Cathedral under the guidance of Milan’s Archbishop Mario Delpini. The ceremony commenced with Archbishop Delpini’s welcome and prayers, followed by the incensing of Berlusconi’s coffin.
The funeral was graced by several prominent figures from the world of politics, media, and football. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Berlusconi, who had formed a right-wing coalition together in October, were in attendance. Deputy Prime Minister and Lega Party leader Matteo Salvini, Hungarian President Viktor Orban, European Parliament Member Manfred Weber, and European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni also paid their respects at the ceremony.
Representing Turkey, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and AK Party Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik were present at the funeral.
Following the state ceremony, Berlusconi’s body will be transported to Villa San Martino and kept in the crematorium. After the operation at the Valenziano Panta Rei Crematorium Temple, his ashes will be stored in a mausoleum built by sculptor Pietro Cascella in the early 1990s on the grounds of his villa in the town of Arcore in northern Italy.
Berlusconi, a billionaire businessman and media mogul in Italy, served as prime minister for four governments from 1994 to 2011. He also held the presidency of Milan, one of Italy’s most renowned clubs.
Throughout his career, Berlusconi faced various scandals. In 2013, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for charges including engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old dancer in exchange for money and abusing his power. However, in 2015, he was acquitted of the charges on appeal. Berlusconi was also accused of bribing pianist Danilo Mariani in the same incident, but he was acquitted of this case in 2021 as well.
Italy bids farewell to Silvio Berlusconi, remembering his significant contributions to the country’s politics and football. His passing marks the end of an era in Italian history.
