Funeral for 'mafia mobster' outrages Rome

The mayor of Rome has condemned a lavish funeral held for a suspected mafia boss, saying it was an "intolerable" glorification of the mob.

The carriage carrying the coffin of Vittorio Casamonica

The mayor of Rome has condemned a lavish funeral held for a suspected mafia boss as "intolerable". (AAP)

Romans aghast at a spiralling mafia probe have found new reason for alarm with the Hollywood-style funeral of a purported crime boss, replete with gilded horse-drawn carriage, flower petals tossed from a helicopter and the theme music from "The Godfather."

Hundreds of tearful mourners paid their final respects on Thursday to Vittorio Casamonica, 65, at the Don Bosco church on Rome's outskirts.

Officials identified him as one of the bosses of the Casamonica clan active in the southwest part of the capital.

"You conquered Rome, now you'll conquer paradise," read a banner on the church.

Mayor Ignazio Marino demanded to know the facts and said it was "intolerable" that a funeral be exploited for mob glorification.

The priest said he had no control over what happened outside the church.


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Source: AAP



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