SW News: Pope Francis has expressed closeness to the victims of the wildfire that has devastated the American island of Maui in Hawaii. The Holy Father reassured his prayers for the people affected by the blaze after the customary recitation of the Sunday Angelus on August 13.

The Holy Father sent his closeness and prayers in a telegram addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio of the United States. In the telegram, the pontiff  expressed his “solidarity with all those suffering from this tragedy, especially those whose loved ones have died or are missing.” He also prayed seeking "God’s blessings of strength and peace” on the people.

The Maui wildfires have caused 93 deaths and hundreds are missing. According to the governor of Hawaii, the blaze marks the largest natural disaster ever to befall the island. So far, 2,200 buildings have been either destroyed or damaged in the wildfires.

He also brought to mind the commemoration on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Cameroon where there will be a special peace pilgrimage in Bafoussam. The nation is scarred by conflict and violence.
Pope Francis said, “Let us join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in Cameroon so that, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, God may sustain the hope of the people who have been suffering for years and open ways of dialogue to reach harmony and peace.”

He also used the occasion to express closeness to the 41 migrants who perished in the devastating shipwreck off the Italian coast of Lampedusa late last week. The vessel carrying illegal migrants from Tunisia sank in the Mediterranean. The pontiff prayed for all who perished in the sea. “With sorrow and shame”, we remember that close to 2000 men, women and kids have lost their lives while trying to cross the sea this year, said Pope Francis.

The pope sought political and diplomatic endeavors to heal this suffering in a “spirit of solidarity and fraternity.