Former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano died at the age of 98, in a hospital in the Italian capital, Rome, where he had been for several months.

The former president served as President of Italy for more than 8 and a half years between 2006 and 2015, and his political career extended over more than six decades.

The country's current president, Sergio Mattarella, said, "Napolitano led important battles for social development, peace and progress in Italy and Europe."

Napolitano was known for his moderation and political acumen, and was seen as a guarantee of stability in times of chronic political unrest in Italy.

Italian politicians praised the career of former Italian president, veteran Giorgio Napolitano, who passed away at the age of 98 and whose reign witnessed several successive governments.