Rome [Italy], September 23: Giorgio Napolitano, Italy's former and longest-serving president, died Friday at the age of 98.
He was selected as president in 2006 and became the first head of state to stand for a second seven-year term in 2013. But he stepped down in 2015, citing his age and health. He was replaced by the current president, Sergio Mattarella.
With a tenure lasting nearly nine years, Napolitano was Italy's head of state for nearly two years longer than any previous president. But Mattarella, Napolitano's successor, is set to surpass the length of Napolitano's mandate in two weeks' time.
Though news of Napolitano's passing broke late on Friday local time, official condolences were offered from figures ranging from current Italian Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni to leaders of other nations.
Source: Xinhua
