The Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, expresses his deepest sympathy and sorrow over the tragedy that occurred in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where a fire in a bar caused the loss of numerous lives, most of them very young, and left many others injured.

In the face of a dramatic event that has cut short so many young lives, the Order of Malta shares in the mourning of the affected countries and entrusts the memory of the victims to prayer, invoking comfort for those who suffer and strength for those called upon to face the consequences of this painful loss.

The Grand Master extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his closeness to the injured. He invites the family of the Order of Malta to join in spiritual suffrage, so that God’s grace may grant peace to the deceased and consolation to all those affected by this grave human tragedy.