Pope Leo XIV has personally offered solace to the grieving families of Italian teenagers who were killed or injured in a devastating bar fire in the Swiss Alps over the New Year period.
A Private Audience Amidst Profound Grief
On Thursday 15 January 2026, the pontiff met with around two dozen relatives of the Italian victims at the Vatican. He set aside his prepared remarks to tell them he had agreed immediately to the audience upon learning of their wish to see him. Six Italian citizens were killed and a further thirteen injured in the blaze at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana resort, which occurred during a New Year's party.
"I wanted at least to have the opportunity to share a moment that for you, amid so much pain and suffering, is truly a test of our faith," Pope Leo told the families. He acknowledged that his words were "limited and powerless" to ease their anguish but urged them to lean on their beliefs. "The faith that dwells in us illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our lives," he said, encouraging them to find hope and continue courageously.
Demands for Justice and a Full Investigation
The families later held meetings with Italian government officials, who are demanding a complete accounting of the tragedy. The fire, which killed 40 people—most of them young—and injured 116, is believed to have started when sparkling candles ignited soundproofing material on the ceiling. Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation, with the bar owners suspected of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire.
Critical questions are being asked about safety standards. Fire safety inspections had not been conducted at the venue since 2019. Investigators are examining whether the soundproofing material met regulations and if the candles were permitted for use. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called the disaster an "open wound" for Italy and stated the government plans to join the Swiss probe as an injured party, seeking "full clarity" over what he termed obvious negligent behaviour.
An International Tragedy with Ongoing Repercussions
The plight of the young Italian victims has resonated deeply across Italy, followed closely by the public and officials alike. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, added his voice to those trying to make sense of the profound loss. The incident has also prompted legal actions beyond Switzerland, with French and Italian prosecutors launching their own investigations into the circumstances surrounding the horrific New Year's fire in the Swiss Alps.
As the community mourns, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved and ensuring such a catastrophe, marked by alleged safety failures, is never repeated.
