Giulio Andreotti died aged 94

Giulio Andreotti, one of the most prominent political figures of post-war Italy, has died aged 94.

Mr Andreotti was Italian prime minister seven times between 1972 and 1992. He led the Christian Democrat party, which dominated Italian politics for decades. He was dogged in later years by allegations of corruption and Mafia links. He died at home in Rome. He was reported to have suffered heart and respiratory problems in recent years. Rome's Mayor, Gianni Alemanno, called Mr Andreotti "the most representative politician" in recent Italian history.

Mr Andreotti entered the Italian parliament in 1946 and remained there for more than 60 years, before seeing out his days as a senator-for-life. He had a reputation for cunning. He managed to find and meet the Pope as an eight-year-old after sneaking away from a Vatican tour group.

He was a junior minister at the age of 28, and went on to serve as either prime minister or a senior minister in the many frequently changing Christian Democratic coalitions that held power almost continuously between 1946 and 1992. (Fram Martins/Marcelo Contreras).

Giulio Andreotti

1919 Born in Rome

1942 While studying law in Rome, becomes head of Catholic student movement

1946 Elected to constituent assembly, helps draw up new constitution

1954 At 34, becomes Italy's youngest ever interior minister

1972-73 First period as prime minister

1976-79 Second period as PM

1989-92 Third period as PM

1999 Acquitted in murder trial; 2002 Convicted on appeal;

2003 Conviction overturned.