Image: Christ in Gethsemane, Heinrich Hofmann, 1886
Pope Leo’s address to relatives of those who died
in tragic fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Thursday, January 15, 2026
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“Why, Lord?”
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Good morning everyone, welcome.
I sincerely say that I am deeply moved to meet you.
When I heard that you had requested this hearing, I immediately agreed.
I wanted to have the opportunity to share with you in the midst of your pain and suffering.
This is truly a test of our faith and a proof of what we believe in.
Many times, one wonders: “Why, Lord?”
It reminds me of a similar moment: the Mass at a funeral.
Instead of giving a sermon, the priest spoke as if in a dialogue with God,
addressing the question that always accompanies us: “Why, Lord?”
These are times of great pain and suffering.
One of your loved ones has lost his life in an extremely violent catastrophe.
Another is hospitalized for an extended period with a disfigured body due to the consequences of a shocking fire that has stunned the world.
All of this happened at the most unexpected moment, on a day when everyone was celebrating and exchanging wishes for joy and happiness.
What can be said in such circumstances?
What meaning can we give to events like these?
Where can we find a consolation that matches what they feel,
Where can we find a relief that doesn’t reduce itself to empty, superficial words,
but touches the deepest part of them and revives their hope?
Perhaps only one word is appropriate: the words of the Son of God on the cross, to whom they are so close today. From the depths of his abandonment and pain, he cried out to the Father, “
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
God, the Father responded to the Son’s plea by making him wait in silence for three days.
But then, what a response!
Jesus rises gloriously and lives forever in the joy and eternal light of Easter.
Brothers and sisters,
I cannot explain why you and your loved ones have been asked to face such a severe trial.
The affection and words of compassion I offer you today seem limited and powerless.
However, the successor of Peter, whom you have come to meet today, affirms this
with strength and conviction: Your hope is not in vain because Christ has truly risen!
The Holy Church bears witness to this and proclaims it with certainty.
St. Paul, who had seen Christ alive, told the Christians of Corinth:
“If we have put our hope in Christ for this life alone, we are the most pitiable of men.”
But no! Christ rose from the dead, the first of all.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20)
Dear brothers and sisters,
Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or the sword).
Neither shall they separate their loved ones who suffer or have lost their lives.
Faith illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our lives with an irreplaceable light that helps us continue courageously on our journey.
Jesus precedes us on this path of death and resurrection, which requires patience and perseverance.
Rest assured of his closeness and tenderness.
He is not far from your experience; he shares and carries it with you.
In the same way, the whole Church carries it with you.
Rest assured that the entire Church and I are praying for the repose of your departed loved ones,
for the relief of those who love and suffer, and for you, who accompany them with your tenderness and love.
Today, His heart is pierced as Mary’s was at the foot of the cross.
Mary saw her son at the cross.
Mary of Sorrows is close to you during this time, and I entrust you to her.
Entrust your tears to her without reservation and seek the maternal consolation she alone can give you. Like Mary, you will learn to wait patiently in the night of suffering with the certainty of faith that a new day will dawn and you will find joy again.
As a sign of consolation and closeness, of wanting to share this moment with you as well,
I invite you to pray together, and I impart the Apostolic Blessing to each one of you,
as well as to all your loved ones who are suffering.
Let us pray together: Our Father…
And to Mary, our Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, we say: Hail Mary.
[Blessing]
May the peace and consolation of faith always accompany you. Amen
