Italian politicians elected Sergio Mattarella, a constitutional court judge and veteran politician, as president, handing a welcome political victory to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

After three inconclusive rounds of voting this week in which a two-thirds majority was needed, Mr Renzi's candidate was elected in the fourth round, when the required quorum fell to a simple majority.

As the ballots were counted out loud in the Chamber of Deputies, the 1,009 parliamentarians and regional officials eligible to vote applauded when Mr Mattarella's name surpassed the 505-vote threshold needed.

He is Italy's 12th president since World War II.

The 73-year-old Sicilian succeeds the hugely popular Giorgio Napolitano, 89, who is stepping down because of his advanced age.

The Italian president is a largely ceremonial figure, but he wields important powers at times of political instability when he or she can dissolve parliament, call elections and pick prime ministers.

Mr Mattarella has a reputation for being a reserved but straight-talking former minister.

His career in politics began after his brother, Piersanti, was shot dead by the Sicilian Mafia in 1980.