Italian ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi is given a state funeral in the city where he made his billions

By COLLEEN BARRY
Associated Press

MILAN (AP) — Silvio Berlusconi is being honored with a state funeral in Milan’s Duomo cathedral and a day of national mourning, as his legacy — positive or negative — is hotly debated among Italians. Tens of thousands of people outside and inside the Duomo erupted in applause as a sign of respect on Wednesday as Berlusconi’s flower-draped casket was hoisted out of the hearse and into the cathedral. His children and companion teared up as the casket was placed in front of the altar. Berlusconi died at the age of 86 on Monday in a Milan hospital where he was being treated for chronic leukemia. He made his billions as the head of a media empire before entering politics in 1994.