Photo: CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON / AFP / Getty Images
France celebrated the reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday (December 7), five years after a devastating fire severely damaged the historic structure, destroying its roof and spire.
The event began with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich symbolically reopening the cathedral's grand wooden doors by knocking three times with a staff made from fire-scorched beams. Inside, the cathedral's mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered back to life, filling the nave with a triumphant interplay of melodies. The 13-ton Emmanuel bell rang out, signaling the start of the ceremony.
The event drew global attention, with President-elect Donald Trump attending alongside world leaders, including First Lady Jill Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain's Prince William, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted an impromptu meeting with Trump and Zelensky at the Élysée Palace before the ceremony. This meeting underscored European leaders' efforts to maintain American support for Ukraine. Trump, who takes office on January 20, has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly, raising concerns in Kyiv about future negotiations.
The reopening continues on Sunday with an inaugural Mass and special rites to consecrate the main altar.