Pope Leo XIV Consoles Grieving Families of the Jan. 1 Swiss Fire "Jesus precedes us on this path of death and resurrection...Be assured of his closeness" FULL TEXT

Pope Leo XIV met with family members of those killed in a tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day. The pope on Thursday, Jan. 15, had an encounter in the Vatican with families. Swiss police reported that at least 40 people died and 119 were injured, many seriously, following the fire and explosion that broke out in a bar of the ski resort town at a crowded New Year's celebration.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE FAMILIES OF THE CHILDREN WHO DIED IN CRANS-MONTANA (SWITZERLAND)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Good morning everyone, welcome.

I sincerely say that I am deeply moved to meet you. When I learned that someone on your behalf had requested this audience, I immediately said, "Yes, we will find the time." I wanted at least the opportunity to share a moment that for you, in the midst of so much pain and suffering, is truly a test of our faith, a test of what we believe. We often ask ourselves, "Why, Lord?"

Someone reminded me of a similar moment, precisely at the funeral Mass where, instead of giving a sermon, the priest spoke as if it were a dialogue between the person and God himself, with that question that always accompanies us, "Why, Lord, why?"

These are moments of great pain and suffering. One of your dearest, most loved ones has lost their life in an extremely violent catastrophe, or is hospitalized for a long time, their body disfigured by the aftermath of a terrible fire that has captured the imagination of the entire world. And this at the most unexpected moment, on a day when everyone was rejoicing and celebrating, exchanging wishes of joy and happiness.

And what then can we say in such a circumstance? What meaning can we give to such events? Where can we find consolation commensurate with what you feel, comfort that does not consist of vain and superficial words, but that touches the depths and revives hope? Perhaps only one word is adequate: that of the Son of God on the cross—to whom you are so close today—who from the depths of his abandonment and pain cried out to the Father: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ( Mt 27:46).

The Father's response to the Son's plea takes three days, in silence. But then, what a response! Jesus rises gloriously, living forever in the joy and eternal light of Easter.

I cannot explain to you, brothers and sisters, why you and your loved ones have been asked to face such a trial. The affection and human words of compassion that I address to you today seem very limited and impotent. On the other hand, the Successor of Peter, whom you have come to meet today, affirms it to you with force and conviction: your hope, your hope is not in vain, because Christ is truly risen! The Holy Church bears witness to this and proclaims it with certainty. Saint Paul, who saw him alive, said to the Christians of Corinth: "If for this life only we have placed our hope in Christ, we are most to be pitied. But no! Christ has been raised from the dead, the first to rise from among those who have fallen asleep" ( 1 Cor 15:19, 20).

Dear brothers and sisters, nothing can ever separate you from the love of Christ (cf. Rom 8:35), as well as your loved ones who are suffering or whom you have lost. The faith that dwells within us illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our lives with an irreplaceable light, which helps us courageously continue on the journey toward our goal. Jesus precedes us on this path of death and resurrection, which requires patience and perseverance. Be assured of his closeness and his tenderness: He is not distant from what you are experiencing; on the contrary, he shares it and carries it with you. Likewise, the entire Church carries him with you. Be assured of the prayers of the entire Church—and of my personal prayer—for the repose of your deceased, for the relief of those you love and who are suffering, and for yourselves, who accompany them with your tenderness and love.

Your heart is pierced today, as was Mary's at the foot of the Cross, Mary, at the Cross, who saw her Son. Our Lady of Sorrows is close to you in these days, and it is to her that I entrust you. Direct your tears to her without reserve and seek in her the maternal comfort that perhaps only Mary can give and certainly can give you. Like Mary, you will know how to wait patiently, in the night of suffering but with the certainty of faith, for one day, a new day to dawn; and you will rediscover joy.

As a sign of comfort and closeness, and of my desire to share this moment with you, I invite you to pray together, and I impart to each of you, as well as to all your loved ones who are suffering, my Apostolic Blessing.

Let us pray together: Our Father…

And to Mary, Our Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, we say: Hail Mary...

[Blessing]

May the peace and consolation of faith always accompany you. Amen .