Thousands pay respects at Pavarotti funeral

Verdi’s “Ave Maria” wafted through Modena’s cathedral today as the world bade farewell to Luciano Pavarotti with a funeral close to his classical roots, attended by family, dignitaries and close friends and followed by admirers around the world.

The Pope sent a telegram of condolence, which was read out at the start of the service. He said Pavarotti had “honoured the divine gift of music through his extraordinary interpretative talent”.