Irish pilgrim, 79, dies in Italy

AN Irish man has died during a pilgrimage in Italy. The man, aged 79, was doing a 550km trek from Florence to Rome when he went missing on Wednesday evening.

His remains were discovered at the bottom of a steep cliff near Monte Forcella at 10.30pm on Thursday.

Italian police investigating his death are reportedly treating it as an accident. They said the man may have died from ‘sudden illness’ but they have not ruled out that he could have lost his balance due to strong winds.

The pensioner was reportedly walking the Way of Assisi, a route once taken by St Francis of Assisi.