Pope Leo XIV publicly responded to the deadly Swiss nightclub fire, adding his voice to global Christian prayers for the victims and their families.

In a message sent to the Catholic Bishop of Sion, the Pope said his “compassion and solidarity” were with “the loved ones of the victims”, as Switzerland continue to mourn one of its worst peacetime tragedies.

The Vatican confirmed the Pope sent a formal telegram on Friday, following the New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, which killed at least 40 people and left more than 100 injured. The message was signed by the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

According to the Vatican statement, Pope Leo said he joined “in the mourning of the families and of the entire Swiss confederation” and offered prayers that God would welcome the dead “into his dwelling place of peace and light”.

The Pope’s comments followed an outpouring of prayer from churches across Switzerland, reported earlier by Premier Christian News.A vigil was held at the Church of Montana-Station, where hundreds gathered to pray for victims and their families.

Swiss investigators later said the fire was believed to have started when sparklers placed in champagne bottles ignited acoustic ceiling panels. Authorities said their priority was looking at safety measures and identifying victims so families could begin grieving.

Owners of the bar in Crans-Montana have reportedly said the venue was managed according to the rules.

The World Council of Churches, based in Switzerland, also said it was “mourning” with the nation, urging Christians worldwide to stand in prayer and solidarity with those affected.