Longest-serving modern Italian president Giorgio Napolitano dies at 98

Giorgio Napolitano, Italy's longest-serving president from 2006 to 2015, has died at age 98.
Napolitano appointed technocrat Mario Monti as prime minister during the euro debt crisis to stabilize Italy's finances.
He was credited with resolving political impasses in Italy and ensuring smooth transitions of power.
Napolitano started his political career with the Italian Communist Party and later served in Parliament.
Italian leaders and the Vatican expressed condolences upon Napolitano's death in Rome.