Cossiga, head of state from 1985 until 1992, had been in critical condition since being rushed to hospital with respiratory problems last Monday. Doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital said after his condition suffered "a sudden and drastic deterioration" during the night. Figures from both sides of the political divide united in paying tribute to the former Christian Democrat (DC) heavyweight.
''I'm mourning a very dear, affectionate, generous friend,'' Premier Silvio Berlusconi said in a statement.
''I'll miss his affection, his intelligence, his humour and his support''.
Pier Luigi Bersani, the leader of the centre left Democratic Party (PD), was also deeply saddened.
''A unique, extraordinary person has gone and so has a part of our history'', added the head of Italy's biggest opposition group.
The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI was saddened by the news and was praying for the life senator.
0 Comments