Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened with a stunning ceremony and concert after a painstaking five-year restoration following a devastating fire in 2019.
Cathedral bells rang out as world leaders, including the Prince of Wales, US President-elect Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined French President Emmanuel Macron contained in the cathedral for the ceremony on Saturday.
The reopening commenced with the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, striking the doors of Notre-Dame thrice along with his crozier.
The word “Merci” was projected onto the front of the nearly 900-year-old constructing as a logo of gratitude that the valuable landmark was saved from the flames.
Macron said France had “achieved the unimaginable” in restoring it so quickly.
“I stand before you to specific the gratitude of the French nation, our gratitude to all those that saved, helped, and rebuilt the cathedral,” he said.
“Tonight, we are able to together share joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic, and long live France.”
Notre-Dame has stood in the center of Paris as a bastion of Christianity and continuity within the centuries since its completion in 1345.
Parisians—and folks following live broadcasts all over the world—watched in horror because it was ravaged by fire on 15 April 2019, destroying a lot of the centuries-old vaulted roof and spire.
It has been meticulously restored to its former glory at a value of around 700 million euros (£580 million or $750 million). The restoration included the installation of a latest roof and spire, state-of-the-art lighting, and a latest altar.
The first mass for the reason that fire was held on Sunday morning and led by Archbishop Ulrich, with a whole lot of bishops and priests in attendance. A second service this evening can be attended by 2,500 members of the general public.
The reopening ceremony marked the beginning of the cathedral’s inaugural week, during which special events are planned. A specific highlight includes the return of the cathedral’s sacred relic, the Crown of Thorns, which was temporarily housed within the Louvre after the hearth.The cathedral will reopen to tourists on 16 December.
Saturday’s reopening ceremony was followed by a concert in front of the cathedral’s famous façade, by which Pharrell Williams sang his hit single “Happy” with a gospel choir.
