Pope Leo XIV meets families of Swiss ski resort fire victims, offering words of faith and comfort after the tragedy that killed 40 and injured 116 people.
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV met privately with families of the victims of a New Year’s fire at a Swiss ski resort bar.
He told them faith can help illuminate “the darkest and most painful moments” of life.
The pontiff received about 20 relatives of the Crans-Montana fire victims in an audience at the Vatican.
The disaster two weeks ago killed 40 people and injured 116 others.
“I cannot explain to you, dear brothers and sisters, why it was asked of you and your loved ones to face such a trial,” the pope said in Italian.
He added that “the affection and human words of compassion that I offer you today seem very limited and powerless.”
The US-born pope said the faith within us provides “an irreplaceable light” to help continue courageously.
He assured the families that “you will find joy again.”
The group was later scheduled to meet senior Italian government officials.
They included the undersecretary of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet, Alfredo Mantovano, and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.
