Vatican- Pope 'deeply saddened' by devastation: Pope Francis has conveyed his condolences regarding the loss of life and the extensive destruction caused by the wildfires in Hawaii.

The Vatican has released a statement saying that he is "profoundly saddened by the news of the loss of life and the widespread destruction" resulting from the wildfires.

Additionally, the Pope has shown his "unity with all those affected by this calamity, especially those who have lost loved ones or are currently unaccounted for".

The statement further includes: “His holiness also pledges to include the deceased, injured, and displaced in his prayers, along with the first responders and emergency personnel."

A minimum of 55 individuals have lost their lives in the lethal fires, while countless more have been uprooted and urgently require housing, according to statements from Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

Authorities additionally confirm that approximately 1,000 individuals are still unaccounted for. The governor remarked, “We are facing the most substantial natural disaster in Hawaii in the span of this generation,” and he anticipates the death toll will escalate as search and rescue teams comb through the wreckage for survivors.

Numerous individuals have sought shelter in provisional accommodations, while tourists and visitors are endeavoring to depart from the island. In the meantime, US President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency and has pledged that “all available resources will be at the disposal” of Hawaii's residents.

Prayers Extended to Victims and Rescuers

Pope Francis' message guarantees the fire victims that he is offering prayers for those who have perished, along with those who are wounded or displaced, “as well as for the first responders and emergency personnel.”

Lastly, the Pope conveyed his spiritual proximity and invoked "God's blessings of fortitude and serenity upon the entire community of Maui."