It could be that we are dealing with two different understandings of funeral here. In the rite which was offered for Priebke, whether he had killed millions or was eventually raised to the altar as canonised saint, it would have been the same, it would have implored God's mercy, recognising that 'all have fallen short of the Glory of God'. Perhaps Cardinal Vallini understood a funeral to be 'a celebration of the life of'' Priebke, with readings, music and even the colour of the vestments chosen by loving friends and relatives and a sermon full of platitudes preached by a sympathetic priest.
Interesting.
I quite dislike the "celebration of life" approach. A good article on that, that's been discussed on FR before: Where have all the funerals gone?
Jesus wept at the death of a friend, even though He knew that 2 seconds later He would raise Lazarus from the tomb.
All of this goes to the discomfort our culture has with death.
I just read the URL for the article you highlighted. It was a great read. Thanks.