Notre Dame Cathedral, the 860-year-old landmark in Paris nearly destroyed by fire in 2019, reopened on Saturday (December 7th, 2024) after an extensive five-year restoration. The ceremony marked a moment of national pride for France, attended by world leaders, first responders, and citizens who witnessed the cathedral’s remarkable return to glory.
The word “Merci,” meaning “Thank you,” was projected onto the cathedral’s facade to express gratitude to those who saved, supported, and rebuilt the historic monument.
The bells of Notre Dame rang across Paris as the ceremony began. Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich knocked three times on the massive doors with his staff, symbolically reopening the sacred site.
@itvnews Archbishop knocks on doors to open Notre Dame Cathedral #itvnews #news #princewilliam #notredame #paris
The devastating 2019 fire and the remarkable restoration
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the gathered crowd, thanking the thousands of workers who dedicated themselves to the restoration. “I stand before you to express the gratitude of the French nation, our gratitude to all those who saved, helped and rebuilt the cathedral,” Macron said. He said that France has achieved the impossible!
Macron further added, “Tonight we can together share joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic and long live France.”
The fire, which broke out on April 15, 2019, shocked the world. Flames engulfed the iconic spire, causing it to collapse, and the roof caved in. As Parisians watched in horror, firefighters worked tirelessly to save what they could. Donations from around the globe poured in, raising more than €840 million ($880 million) to fund the restoration.
Thousands of experts, including carpenters, stonemasons, and stained-glass artists, worked around the clock using traditional methods to rebuild the Gothic masterpiece.
The new spire now rises above the cathedral, the ribbed vaults are restored, and the flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles have regained their original splendor. The white stone walls and gold decorations once again gleam brightly.
World leaders gather for the historic reopening
The reopening drew a host of international leaders and dignitaries. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attended the ceremony and greeted Britain’s Prince William and other officials as he made his way to the front.
@msnbc President-elect Donald Trump arrived at the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, marking his first overseas trip since being elected to a second term. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by world leaders, including Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. #donaldtrump #paris #notredame #princewilliam #world #news
Trump took his seat beside President Macron and France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron. On Brigitte’s other side sat Jill Biden, the wife of U.S. President Joe Biden.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who met with Macron and Trump earlier at the Élysée Palace, received a warm welcome as he entered the cathedral. Guests applauded as he walked through the historic site.
Other notable attendees included Tesla CEO Elon Musk, French billionaire Bernard Arnault, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and former French presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Pope Francis’ message and the debate over free entry
Pope Francis, though not present, sent a message that was read aloud during the ceremony. He called the day one of joy, celebration, and praise and expressed his hope that the cathedral would remain free for all visitors.
His statement weighed in on the ongoing debate among French politicians about charging entry fees to fund the restoration of other churches. The pope’s message emphasized inclusivity, encouraging free access for everyone.
Masses, public access, and the future of Notre-Dame
The reopening ceremony concluded with the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, ringing through the cathedral. President Macron later hosted a dinner at the Élysée Palace for Trump, Zelenskiy, and other world leaders.
The celebrations will continue with eight days of Masses to honor the donors and the firefighters who saved the cathedral. Archbishop Ulrich will lead the first Mass on Sunday, and several services, including one on December 8 at 6:30 p.m., will be open to the public.
@champselysees_paris Notre Dame de Paris Crédit Photo: @nathalie_ouaknine Follow us on IG: @champselysees_paris www.champselysees-paris.com © Paris, Always an Amazing idea! #paris #igersparis #cathedrale #notredame #notredamedeparis
Visitors can now book free tickets on the cathedral’s official website, but demand is high. Tickets for the first few days sold out quickly. Group visits will begin next year — religious groups can visit starting February 1, and guided tourist groups will be allowed from June 9. The Catholic Church expects Notre Dame to host 15 million visitors annually.
The reopening of Notre Dame stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and international cooperation. The cathedral, once feared lost, now rises again as a symbol of hope and unity for the world.
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