Swiss Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig from the canton of Valais has died at the age of 79. He passed away on 12 May 2026 in Rome. The news was announced by Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, who informed members of the institution about his death.
Just days earlier, on 6 May, the cardinal had taken part in the oath ceremony of the 28 new members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, one of the annual traditional events held in the Vatican.
Following his death, the number of cardinals eligible to vote worldwide has decreased to 118.
Cardinal Tscherrig, originally from Valais, had been living in Rome since 2024 after retiring from active service.
He was ordained a priest in 1974 and, four years later in 1978, entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See. In 2023, he was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis.
