Pope prays for victims of Crans-Montana fire
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
In a telegram, Pope Leo XIV joined in mourning the victims of a fire on January 1 at an Alpine bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which killed around 40 people and injured more than 110.
In the telegram — written in French and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin — the Pope expresses his compassion and concern to those close to the victims.”
Pope Leo “prays to the Lord to welcome the deceased into his dwelling of peace and light, and to support the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies.”
“May the Mother of God, in her tenderness, bring the comfort of faith to all those affected by this tragedy and keep them in hope,” concludes the statement, addressed to Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey, of the Diocese of Sion, where the tragedy took place.
Around 40 people died and another roughly 115 were injured after a fire erupted at a New Year’s party in an Alpine bar, Le Constellation, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Authorities estimate that the fire broke out less than two hours after midnight and the causes are still under investigation. Several victims, which include also Italian and French nationals, are still unaccounted for and some are as young as 16-years-old.
The Diocese also expresses its closeness
The Diocese of Sion also released a statement, on January 1, expressing its shock at this tragedy and “its concern, sympathy and compassion for all the victims, their loved ones and their families.”
“What should have been a night of celebration turned into a terrible catastrophe for hundreds of people,” the statement says. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
The Diocese also highlighted “its support and gratitude to all those involved in various ways in helping the victims, whether on site or in the various hospitals mobilized, including medical staff, police, civil and judicial authorities.”
The Diocese then entrusted all those affected and their families to the Blessed Virgin Mary, hoping that in the midst of this tragedy they can receive compassion and support.
The Swiss Bishops' Conference organizes spiritual initiatives
The Swiss Bishops’ conference also expressed their solidarity with the victims and their families and also with rescue workers, in a statement released on Friday, January 2.
“The members of the Swiss Bishops' Conference are also deeply shocked by the violence of this catastrophe,” says the statement, signed by the President of the Conference, Bishop Charles Morerod. “All our churches can be places of support, comfort, and prayer at this terrible time.”
The statement says that at 6:00 p.m. on Friday all the Church bells in the Diocese of Sion will ring out as a sign of mourning, solidarity, and reflection. All Swiss parishes are also invited to join in this gesture of closeness and participation.
The statement also lists certain spiritual initiatives organized by the conference such as eucharistic adoration in the Church in Montana on Friday, a rosary the following day at 6:00 p.m., and a Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
It will be celebrated by Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion, and concelebrated by the President of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Morerod. At the Mass there will also be leaders of the Reformed Evangelical Church, specifically the pastor of Montana, the President of the Valais Synodal Council, Stephan Kronbichler, and the President of the Swiss Synod, Gilles Cavin.
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