France's leading champion of the destitute and homeless, Roman Catholic priest Abbe Pierre, has died aged 94.

The priest had been in hospital since 14 January and had succumbed to a lung infection, a spokesman said. Born Henri Groués, Abbe Pierre devoted his life to supporting the homeless, founding the Emmaus hostel movement just after World War II. He has long been one of France's most revered figures, and the Emmaus hostels can be found in dozens of countries. Year after year, he came top in a French vote on the country's favourite personalities.
"We have lost an immense figure, a conscience,...