 "Notre Dame Cathedral reopens, Macron expresses 'gratitude' to those who restored landmark")
Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors Saturday (December 7) after four years of restoration following a devastating fire in 2019.
Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich symbolically knocked three times on the cathedral’s doors before stepping inside the 12th-century landmark, a moment marking the cathedral’s return to its spiritual and cultural role.
Wearing newly designed vestments and carrying a staff crafted from a salvaged roof beam, Ulrich proclaimed, “Open your doors,” as hundreds of VIPs joined him inside.
Macron expresses ‘gratitude’
French President Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, expressing deep gratitude to those involved in saving and rebuilding the iconic structure.
“I stand before you … to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said during the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world.
The ceremony, held before 1,500 guests, celebrated the painstaking efforts to restore the architectural and cultural treasure. Among the attendees were notable global figures, including U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and others.
Global symbol of resilience
The reopening marks a milestone in the extensive restoration efforts undertaken since April 2019, when a massive fire destroyed much of Notre Dame’s roof and iconic spire. The project has involved expert craftsmen, historical preservationists, and a global fundraising effort.
As the bells tolled and the cathedral’s grand organ played once more, the ceremony celebrated the resilience of one of France’s most cherished monuments and its enduring place in the heart of Parisians and visitors worldwide.
With inputs from agencies
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