After five long years of painstaking restoration, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has officially reopened its doors. The grand reopening comes after the devastating fire in 2019, which destroyed the roof and spire of this historic monument.
The event was marked by an emotional ceremony attended by over 40 world leaders, reflecting the global significance of the cathedral. French President Emmanuel Macron called the reopening a symbol of France’s strength and creativity, welcoming notable figures like US President-elect Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William of the UK.
The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, conducted the official reopening, marking the occasion by knocking on the cathedral’s doors, kicking off a nearly two-hour ceremony filled with prayer, organ music, and hymns. A pre-recorded televised concert, featuring performances by Lang Lang, Pretty Yende, Gustavo Dudamel, and potentially Pharrell Williams, added to the celebratory atmosphere.
The €700 million restoration was completed in just five years, thanks to generous global donations and traditional French craftsmanship, surprising many who had expected it to take decades. Audrey Azoulay, the head of UNESCO, hailed the restoration as a “dazzling” fusion of modern techniques and ancient skills.
Earlier this week, Macron unveiled the cathedral’s restored limestone walls, wooden roof made from ancient oak trees, and beautifully renovated interiors, calling it “proof that we know how to do grand things, we know how to do the impossible.”
While the restoration is a monumental achievement, France is still facing political and financial struggles. Macron aims to unite the nation through events like this and the Paris Olympics held earlier this year.
Security around the event was tight, with 6,000 officers deployed across Paris. Pope Francis was notably absent from the event, instead visiting Corsica, but sent a message to the French people, which was read during the ceremony.
The cathedral, which became the center of global attention during the fire, is set to hold its first mass on Sunday morning, led by 170 bishops and more than 100 priests from Paris. Another public service will take place in the evening.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, investigators believe it was likely due to an accidental electrical fault. Thanks to the quick action of firefighters in 2019, further destruction was avoided, and the restoration process has brought this symbol of French culture back to life.
