Pope Leo offers comfort to Crans-Montana fire victims on one-month commemoration

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"I simply wish to express to you my closeness and affection, along with that of the entire Church, which, through its maternal presence, desires—as much as possible—to bear this burden with you, and which prays to the Lord Jesus to sustain your faith in this trial."

Pope Leo XIV expressed this in a message he wrote for the one-month commemoration of the tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland on January 1, killing at least 40 people and seriously injuring some 120 others. On January 15, Pope Leo met in the Vatican with family members of those killed or injured by the fire and explosion that broke out in a bar of the ski resort town at a crowded New Year's celebration.  

The Pope's latest message recognized their sorrow, and expressed his hope that those mourning may find, with their priests and Christian communities, "the fraternal and spiritual support you seek to overcome sorrow and to maintain courage."

Hope in reunion one day with loved ones

In his message, the Pope acknowledged their suffering, incomprehension, and sense of abandonment, writing, ‘I can only entrust you to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows.’ He emphasized that she holds them close to her heart and invites them to look with her upon the Cross, where her Son suffered and gave His life.

The Lord thus, the Pope said, shares in what they are experiencing today, but will also share with them "His glorious and blessed Resurrection."

With this sentiment, Pope Leo reassured that "Jesus truly is risen!" marveling that this certainty "the Holy Church proclaims with assurance and serenity." The Pope said they are to maintain the hope that one day they will see again those they have lost and that even on earth, a new day will rise for them, and joy will return to their hearts.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

"Be absolutely certain of this," the Pope said, recalling Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans, where he expresses that neither death nor life, neither the present nor the future, neither trials nor separation, nor suffering, can separate them and their loved ones from the love of God which is in Christ.

Despite the despair, Pope Leo told them that "nothing of the beautiful and happy moments you shared with them is lost forever; nothing is over!"

The Holy Father reassured them that even if the Blessed Mother invites them in these sad and dark days to look at the Cross, that she also invites them "to look at Heaven, always radiant."

"By firmly grasping the anchor of hope that is securely fixed there and which Jesus offers you," Pope Leo said, "you will receive the strength and courage to persevere and to continue on your journey."