Born near Zurich, he first worked as a simple farm hand before he studied theology and later led parishes of the Protestant church in and around Zurich for 25 years.
Sieber became widely known as a tireless champion of the homeless and other people on the edges of society since the 1960s. He launched numerous social projects, including for alcohol and drug addicts.
He also sat in the Swiss parliament as a representative of the centrist Protestant Party from 1991 to 1995 and was known for his flamboyant style. He won several awards prizes from universities, the city of Zurich and a popular consumer magazine.
Sieber and his wife, Sonja, raised eight children together.
His charityExternal link currently employs about 190 people in institutions across Switzerland with an annual budget of CHF20 million ($20 million).
Politicians and church officials from Zurich paid tribute to Sieber praising him for his relentless work at a local level for more humanity.
More
More
The pastor of the homeless turns 90
This content was published on
Ernst Sieber has worked tirelessly for the poor and those on the edges of society for decades.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
This content was published on
A Geneva-registered tourist plane grazed some ski mountaineers on Saturday on a glacier on the Swiss side of the Monte Rosa massif.
Sharp rise in reports of suspicious sports betting in Switzerland
This content was published on
Last year the Intercantonal Gambling Supervisory Authority received 184 reports of suspicious activities in connection with 166 sports competitions.
Swiss fencers apologise for diplomatic scandal with Israel
This content was published on
Two days after causing a diplomatic scandal at the U23 European Championships in Tallinn, the Swiss fencers responsible have published a jointly signed apology on Instagram.
Air in climbing gyms more polluted than on streets
This content was published on
The concentration of potentially harmful chemicals in climbing gyms is sometimes higher than on busy roads, say researchers from Switzerland and Austria.
This content was published on
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved slightly higher sales at the start of the year. However, profits fell sharply, partly due to the late Easter.
Switzerland’s first padel court on water built in Arosa
This content was published on
Switzerland's first padel tennis court on water will open on the Obersee in Arosa, canton Graubünden, for the 2025 summer season.
This content was published on
Wine consumption in Switzerland fell by almost 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Swiss wines are particularly affected by the decline.
Jackie Chan to be honoured for life’s work at Locarno Film Festival
This content was published on
Martial artist Jackie Chan will receive an Honorary Leopard, a lifetime achievement award, from the Locarno Film Festival in southern Switzerland in August.
Novartis raises forecast again after strong Q1 results
This content was published on
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has continued the strong pace of growth of recent quarters in the first three months of 2025.
Swiss canton holds first general meeting on winegrowing
This content was published on
More than 250 professionals attended the first general meeting of the Valais wine industry on Monday in Conthey, western Switzerland.
This content was published on
Winter always takes its toll on people who have nowhere to go but the streets. Already one man has died in Zurich as a result of the cold. Pinto’s creed is prevention, intervention and tolerance. The main task currently facing the nine-person group is to intervene before anything happens to the homeless. It could be…
This content was published on
The 80-year-old pastor tells swissinfo that the poor and marginalised need not only food, but also love. His vision is for a world that is more just and shows solidarity. Switzerland’s best-known pastor also says he would like the needy to recover their dignity and self-esteem. swissinfo: What does Easter mean to you? Ernst Sieber:…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.