The former two-term president passed away at Rome’s Salvator Mundi International Hospital. He leaves behind his wife and two sons, Giovanni and Giulio. Condolences flowed in from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Vatican, and others. Pope Francis remembered their meetings and praised Napolitano’s leadership.
Elected president in 2006 and again in 2013, Napolitano played a key role during Italy’s 2011 debt crisis and resigned in 2015 due to age. His political career began in the 1950s, serving in various roles, including interior minister and lower house speaker.