BREAKING Over 40 Die and 115 Injured in Fire on New Year's Eve in Switzerland - Pope Leo XIV Sends Condolences and Prayers

In Switzerland, 47 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. 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.
In a telegram, Pope Leo XIV joined in mourning the victims of the fire, written in French and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin — "Having learned of the tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana on the night of January 1st, causing over forty deaths and numerous injuries, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV shares in the grief of the families and of the entire Swiss Confederation. He wishes to express his compassion and concern to the families of the victims. He prays to the Lord to welcome the deceased into his home of peace and light and to sustain the courage of those who suffer in heart or body. May the Mother of God, in her tenderness, bring the comfort of faith to all those affected by this tragedy and maintain their hope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness” concludes the statement, addressed to Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey, of the Diocese of Sion, where the tragedy took place. 

 The Italian Foreign Ministry estimates the death toll at around 40. Approximately 100 others were taken to nearby hospitals with severe burns. The exact number of victims has not yet been confirmed. Several foreign tourists are reportedly among the dead, but according to the latest information, no Austrians were among them. Swiss President Guy Parmelin also expressed his deep regret, describing the tragedy as "a moment of grief affecting all of Switzerland and the world." His New Year's address, scheduled for January 1st, was postponed out of respect for those affected.

Press release from the Swiss Bishops' Conference
, Fribourg, January 2, 2026

Statement by the Swiss Bishops' Conference

"The members of the Swiss Bishops' Conference are also deeply shocked by the violence of this catastrophe, especially for the victims themselves, for their families still awaiting information, but also for all the emergency services personnel. All our churches can be places of support, comfort, and prayer in this terrible moment."
Bishop Charles Morerod, President of the Swiss Bishops' Conference

Spiritual initiatives and gestures of solidarity

• Today, Friday, January 2nd, Eucharistic adoration is offered throughout the day in the church of Montana.
• Tomorrow, Saturday, January 3, the rosary prayer will be recited at the end of the 6:00 pm mass in Montana
• On Sunday, January 4, Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion will preside over the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the church of Crans (concelebrated by Bishop Charles Morerod, President of the Swiss Bishops' Conference), in the presence of leaders of the Evangelical Reformed Church: the pastor of Montana, the President of the Valais Synod Council, Stephan Kronbichler, and the President of the Swiss Synod, Gilles Cavin, all three of whom were present on Thursday evening, January 1.
• In the Diocese of Sion, the bells of all churches will ring this evening, January 2nd, at 6:00 PM as a sign of mourning, solidarity, and reflection. All Swiss parishes are invited, to the extent possible, to join in this gesture of closeness and participation.
• Sources: https://www.ivescovi.ch/catastrofe-di-crans-montana/
Diocese of Sion Statement January 1, 2026-
The diocese of Sion has learned with shock of the tragedy that occurred last night in Crans-Montana.

First and foremost, he expresses his concern, closeness, and compassion for all the victims, their loved ones, and their families. This night, which should have been an occasion for celebration, turned into a terrible catastrophe for hundreds of people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

The diocese also expresses its support and gratitude to all those involved in various ways with the victims, both on the ground and in the various hospitals mobilized: medical personnel, police, and civil and judicial authorities.

On this New Year's Day, traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and to worldwide prayer for peace, we entrust all the victims and their loved ones to the tenderness of the Virgin Mary, and we pray that the affected families may receive, in the midst of their grief, comforting expressions of compassion and support.
Sion, January 1, 2026 / Pierre-Yves Maillard

https://diocese-sion.ch/article/drame-de-crans-montana-communique-du-diocese