August 17, 2023 – I was deeply saddened to learn of the fire that broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. More than 100 people lost their lives, hundreds of others are still unaccounted for, and many were left homeless.
I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Hawaii and the United States, especially the families of those who lost their lives in the fire, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
Everyone should support, as much as possible, the authorities and humanitarian organizations working to provide shelter for those left homeless by the fires and to repair the destroyed infrastructure and green spaces.
The fires in Hawaii, when considered together with other major fires that have increased in number in recent years and have destroyed vast forests that are the lungs of our world, should be seen as a warning to humanity about preserving the balance in nature.
May God, the Merciful, grant those who lost their homes and property in these fires the opportunity to recover their losses as soon as possible, give strength and fortitude to the firefighters and rescue teams responding to the fire, and protect the people of Hawaii and all humanity from fires and all disasters.
