Archbishop Richard Alarcón Urrutia of Cusco dies at age 74

The Archbishop of Cusco, Richard Alarcón Urrutia, died on Friday, October 30, following a long illness. The Archdiocese of Cusco announced his death on social media, stating the community feels deep sadness. His death occurred shortly before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Cusco on November 15. Archbishop Alarcón had been preparing to receive the Pope during the visit to the city.

The funeral will take place this Sunday, November 1, at the Cusco Cathedral. The body is currently lying in state at the cathedral, where hundreds of faithful have gathered to pay their respects. Archbishop coadjutor Lizardo Estrada Herrera, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on August 29, expressed his grief and offered prayers for the deceased.

Born in Lima on April 10, 1952, Archbishop Alarcón joined the Franciscan Order in 1969. He was ordained a priest in 1976 and received episcopal ordination in 2001.