World prays for victims of Swiss bar fire

Photo by Mike Labrum on Unsplash

Prayers have been said around the world for victims of the fire and explosion at an Alpine bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in which more that 40 people died and 110 were injured on 1 January.

In a message addressed to Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey, of the Diocese of Sion, where the tragedy took place, Pope Leo said he prayed to the Lord "to welcome the deceased into his dwelling of peace and light, and to support the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies...."

"May the Mother of God, in her tenderness, bring the comfort of faith to all those affected by this tragedy and keep them in hope."

The Diocese of Sion said in a statement: "What should have been a night of celebration turned into a terrible catastrophe for hundreds of people," the statement says. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

The Diocese also highlighted "its support and gratitude to all those involved in various ways in helping the victims, whether on site or in the various hospitals mobilized, including medical staff, police, civil and judicial authorities."

The Diocese then entrusted all those affected and their families to the Blessed Virgin Mary, hoping that in the midst of this tragedy they can receive compassion and support.

The Swiss Bishops' conference also expressed their solidarity with the victims and their families and also with rescue workers.

"The members of the Swiss Bishops' Conference are also deeply shocked by the violence of this catastrophe," says the statement, signed by the President of the Conference, Bishop Charles Morerod. "All our churches can be places of support, comfort, and prayer at this terrible time."

At 6pm Friday Church bells rang out across the Diocese of Sion and other dioceses in Switzerland as a sign of mourning, solidarity, and reflection. Many churches throughout Switzerland held special services and Masses throughout the weekend.

On Sunday Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion, and the President of the Swiss Bishops' Conference, Bishop Morerod concelebrated a special Mass in the church of Cran, which was also attended by leaders of the Reformed Evangelical Church, the President of the Valais Synodal Council, Stephan Kronbichler, and President of the Swiss Synod, Gilles Cavin. After the Mass there was a procession to lay flowers near the scene of the disaster.

At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV expressed once again his "closeness to those suffering" due to the tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland on January 1st. He said he was praying "for the young people who died, for the injured, and for their families."

In a condolence message to the President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin, Rev Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches said:"Our hearts go out to you abd especially to the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives, in this moment of unimaginable grief and sorrow.."

In a letter sent to Swiss churches Dr Pillay said: "You are not alone. People around the world are praying for you, mourning with you, standing with you in solidarity."