In pictures: Italy quake funeral

Relatives and friends mourn earthquake victims, L'Aquila, Italy, 10 April 2009

A state funeral has been held in Italy for 205 victims of Monday's devastating earthquake in the city of L'Aquila.

Coffins in L'Aquila, central Italy, 10 April 2009

Rows and rows of coffins were laid out in front of the altar.

A rescue worker mourns earthquake victims near L'Aquila, Italy, 10 April 2009

White coffins of children were placed on top of the darker caskets of adults who died.

A grieving woman is comforted over the coffin of a loved one, L'Aquila, Italy, 10 April 2009

Grieving relatives collapsed at the funeral, which was attended by thousands.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone blesses the coffins of victims at the funeral mass in L'Aquila, Italy, 10 April 2009

One of the most senior cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church, Tarcisio Bertone, presided over the open-air funeral Mass.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, background, celebrates the funeral service for quake victims in L'Aquila, central Italy, 10 April 2009.

In a special message delivered at the funeral Mass, Pope Benedict XVI said he shared the grief of the families and hoped they would find the courage to overcome their grief.

Silvio Berlusconi, right, with mourners at the funeral for quake victims in L'Aquila, Italy, 10 April 2009

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and President Giorgio Napolitano were among the many mourners in L'Aquila.

Volunteers, rescuers and soldiers carry a coffin at the end of the funeral in L'Aquila, 10 April 2009.

The decision to hold the funeral service in the open was taken because local churches were so badly damaged by the earthquake. The burials are taking place in L'Aquila's cemetery.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8