In Switzerland, diocese investigates incident involving 'communion' for dogs at Catholic church

A high-profile incident occurred in a parish in Zurich, Switzerland, during a Mass with the blessing of animals: the faithful gave the consecrated Eucharist to their dogs. The Diocese of Kur conducted an official investigation and presented its findings on April 17, 2026. This is reported by the Tribune Chrétienne.

The service, originally intended to bless animals, was moved inside the church due to unfavorable weather conditions and combined with Mass. During the communion rite, some parishioners began giving consecrated guests to their pets. Such actions caused serious indignation among some of the faithful, which prompted a complaint to the church leadership.

An official statement from the Diocese of Kura notes that no formal sacrilege was recognized at the end of the proceedings. The commission concluded that the parishioners lacked «sacrilegious intent.» Nevertheless, the incident provoked a discussion in the Church about the correct understanding of the Eucharist, which, according to Catholic tradition, is intended exclusively for human beings.

To resolve the situation, the bishop plans to visit the parish in person this June. As part of the visit, a special service and catechesis are planned, the purpose of which will be to explain to the faithful the basics of liturgical practice and the sacred meaning of the sacraments.