In an audience, the Pope comforted those affected by the fire in Switzerland, acknowledging it as a "test of our faith" but pointing to hope found in God.
The Pope acknowledged that this tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 people and left 116 injured, is “a test of our faith,” but also assured them that faith “illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our lives.”
Since the deadly fire in Crans-Montana on the night of December 31, Leo XIV has repeatedly expressed his compassion and closeness, calling on the faithful to pray for the families of the victims.
On Thursday, he received a small group of relatives and friends of the victims — probably those of Italian nationality — who entered the Vatican shortly before noon in three minibuses with tinted windows.
In his speech, delivered in Italian, the Pope said he was “very moved” by this meeting.
“One of your dearest and most beloved loved ones has lost their life in an extremely violent disaster, or is hospitalized for a long period of time, their body disfigured by the consequences of a terrible fire that has marked the imagination of the whole world,” he recognized.
“Why, Lord, why?” asked the Pope, acknowledging that such an event was “a test of our faith” and that it's difficult to make sense of it.
Nevertheless, he said he felt there is only one phrase that is “adequate,” words spoken by Jesus on the cross, “to whom you are so close today”:
“From the depths of his abandonment and pain,” Christ on the cross cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” recalled Leo XIV.
God's answer, he explained, that of the resurrection, came after three days of “silence.”
Hope is not in vain
“I cannot explain to you, my dear brothers and sisters, why you and your loved ones have had to face such a trial,” said the Pope, acknowledging that his words of compassion seem “limited and impotent.”
But he also told them of his certainty that “their hope is not in vain, because Christ is truly risen,” encouraging them to be patient and persevere.
Assuring his guests that “nothing can ever separate you from the love of Christ,” he told them that the Christian faith “illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our lives with an irreplaceable light” and helps us to “courageously continue” on our journey. He assured them of God's closeness and of his “personal prayer” for the repose of their deceased loved ones, for “the relief of those you love who are suffering,” and also for them.
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Turn to Mary
“Your hearts are pierced today, like Mary's at the foot of the Cross,” he acknowledged once again, pointing out to the parents the “maternal comfort” of Our Lady. “Like her, you will know how to wait patiently, in the night of suffering but with the certainty of faith, for a new day to dawn; and you will find joy again,” he assured them.
The small delegation then quickly left the Vatican to go to the Chigi Palace, the seat of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, where the parents were to be received by the authorities.
