Pope Leo XIV meets Crans-Montana fire victims’ families

Crans-Montana fire: Leo XIV receives relatives of victims Keystone-SDA

On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV granted a private audience at the Vatican to around twenty relatives of the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana. He offered them words of consolation and encouragement.

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Two weeks after the tragedy that left 40 dead and 116 injured, mainly teenagers and young adults, the American Pope said he was “very touched” to meet their bereaved loved ones.

“The affection and words of compassion that I address to you today seem very limited and powerless” but “your hope is not in vain”, he told them during a private audience, according to his speech published by the Vatican.

“The faith that dwells within us illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our lives with an irreplaceable light, helping us to courageously continue on our way towards our goal”. “You will find joy again”, he assured them.

The group then went to the Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government, in the centre of Rome. They were to be received by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-hand man, Alfredo Mantovano, and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.

Six Italian teenagers aged between 15 and 17 were among the 40 killed at the Constellation bar. Around ten Italians were among the 116 injured.

Adapted from French by AI/jdp

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