EL PASO, Texas — The Diocese of El Paso on Thursday announced the death Reverend Monsignor David Fierro, who had retired.

Fierro, 71, died Thursday morning from complications from COVID-19, the diocese wrote in a Facebook post.

“Msgr. Fierro, a native of Alpine, began his formation at St. Charles Seminary in El Paso, and completed major seminary at the Josephinum Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Sidney Metzger, STD, JCD (1942-1978) on June 19, 1976,” the Diocese of El Paso wrote.

“In his 45 years of priesthood, Msgr. Fierro served as Chancellor of the Diocese of El Paso, Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, Rector of St. Charles Seminary, Vocations Director and pastor of parishes across the Diocese, including Mother Cabrini, St. Matthew and Our Lady of the Light,” the post continued.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the near future. The diocese asked that people pray for Fierro’s family.