In a message signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis conveyed his deep condolences to the families mourning their loved ones, most of whom were young, after a devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia.

The Pope expressed his "profound condolences" and "spiritual closeness to the injured" following the tragedy, which claimed 59 lives and left 155 wounded. His message, addressed to Bishop Kiro Stojanov of Skopje, assured prayers for the deceased and invoked divine comfort for those affected by the disaster.

The fire erupted around 3 a.m. during a concert attended by 1,500 people, reportedly ignited by fireworks set off on stage. Authorities have detained the event organizers and venue owners as investigations continue. Most victims were between 14 and 27 years old. The Macedonian government has vowed to uncover the cause of the catastrophe, with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski calling it a “difficult and deeply sorrowful day” for the nation.

Expressions of sympathy have poured in from European institutions, and Serbia has declared March 18 a national day of mourning to honor the victims.