Italy mourns earthquake victims

Flags are flying at half-mast in Italy today as a national day of mourning is held for the victims of last Monday's earthquake in the central Abruzzo region, in which at least 289 people died.

Survivors from the devastating earthquake attended a state funeral in the city of L'Aquila for the victims.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and church leaders joined mourners for the service, which was held according to both Catholic and Muslim rites.

Italy's ANSA news agency reported that there were 205 coffins at the mass.

Small white caskets with the bodies of children lay on their parents' coffins, some with a favourite toy placed on top.

The ceremony began with a message from Pope Benedict.

'In these dramatic hours when a fearful tragedy has blighted this land, I feel spiritually present in your midst and share your anguish,' said the message from the pope.

Some of the other victims were retrieved by loved ones and have been buried since Wednesday.

The Good Friday funeral mass with full state honours was held after the Vatican granted special permission for the mourners to take communion, normally not part of the liturgy on the Friday before Easter Sunday.

The earthquake struck on Monday, turning a large part of L'Aquila into a disaster zone and flattening some surrounding villages.

Local churches have been badly hit and priests have held masses in tent camps for survivors.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes as numerous strong aftershocks have continued to shake the region.

There has also been public anger over alleged delays in the rescue effort and apparent poor quality construction, which has been blamed for increasing the death toll.

Prosecutors have opened an inquiry into building standards.

Today's funeral was held in the vast square courtyard of an army training centre near L'Aquila.

The mass was celebrated by L'Aquila Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari.

Pope Benedict XVI is also expected to visit the region after Easter.