Notre-Dame reopens in Paris in presence of world leaders

PARIS,— The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was officially reopened on Saturday, marking the completion of a five-year restoration project following the devastating fire that nearly destroyed the 860-year-old structure.

The emotional ceremony, which took place in front of a crowd of dignitaries and spectators, included the projection of the word “Merci” (Thank You) on the cathedral’s facade, a symbol of gratitude for the monumental efforts to save and restore the Gothic masterpiece.

As the ceremony commenced, the bells of Notre-Dame rang in celebration, while Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris ceremoniously tapped the cathedral doors three times with his crozier, symbolizing the official reopening of the historic landmark to the public. The crowd applauded as first responders, restorers, and others who played crucial roles in the cathedral’s preservation received a standing ovation for their efforts.

President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the French nation.

Macron addressed the crowd, saying, “I am here to convey the heartfelt thanks of the French people to all those who saved, assisted, and restored this cathedral,” praising the quick and extraordinary efforts that made the restoration possible. “With this restoration, France has achieved the impossible,” he said.

Macron shared the joy of the occasion, emphasizing the collective pride felt by all. “Tonight, we unite in joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic, and long live France,” he proclaimed.

The ceremony was graced by several prominent figures, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who was welcomed by Macron.

Trump, along with other dignitaries such as Britain’s Prince William and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, was part of a gathering that also included business magnates like Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault, and former French presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Also in attendance was Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, who joined the distinguished group of leaders for the historic event.

The restoration of Notre-Dame involved thousands of skilled artisans working around the clock using traditional methods. Experts from various fields, including carpenters, stonemasons, and stained-glass artists, worked tirelessly to repair or replace the damaged parts of the cathedral.

The cathedral’s famous spire has been rebuilt, and the flying buttresses, gargoyles, and intricate carvings have been restored to their former glory.

The fire, which occurred on April 15, 2019, sent shockwaves through the world as Parisians and people globally watched in horror as the flames consumed the cathedral’s roof and caused the spire to collapse. Since that night, efforts have been focused on preserving the building’s historical and cultural significance.

In a statement read aloud during the reopening ceremony, Pope Francis expressed his joy, calling the occasion a day of “celebration and praise.”

The Pope, who was unable to attend the event in person, also took a stance on the debate over whether visitors should be charged to enter the cathedral, a suggestion put forward by some French politicians. The Pope expressed confidence that the cathedral would remain free to visit, offering an open invitation to all.

Historian Damien Berne, a member of the scientific council for the restoration, commented on the global importance of Notre-Dame, calling it “a universal monument” that transcends national borders. Berne explained that it is a symbol, a beacon, and a lasting point of stability in an ever-changing global world.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1163, and it has since become an enduring symbol of both Paris and France. It became even more widely known through Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which helped cement its place in global culture. The cathedral has also appeared in numerous films and adaptations, further contributing to its iconic status.

For many Parisians, the reopening of Notre-Dame is deeply personal. Pascal Tordeux, a local careworker, expressed his emotional connection to the cathedral, showing off a tattoo of the building on his arm. “What does Notre-Dame mean to me? This. Look, it’s here,” he said. Tordeux watched the restoration progress from his window, witnessing the rebuilding of the spire and the transformation of the cathedral over the past five years.

The demand to visit Notre-Dame is already high. As of Saturday, when the online booking system opened, all tickets for upcoming visits had been sold out.

Visitors can now book tickets for the coming days on the cathedral’s official website. Group visits will begin next year, with special access for religious groups in February and for tourists in June. The Catholic Church anticipates that the cathedral will welcome around 15 million visitors annually.

The restoration project was made possible thanks to donations from around the world, totaling more than 840 million euros ($880 million), according to Macron’s office. The funds are expected to support ongoing investments in the cathedral’s future maintenance.

In addition to the reopening ceremony, Archbishop Ulrich will lead a series of Masses at Notre-Dame starting Sunday, continuing for eight days. These services will offer thanks to the donors and firefighters who contributed to the cathedral’s revival.

As the ceremony ended with the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, echoing through the air, it was clear that Notre-Dame’s reopening was not just a triumph of restoration, but also a moment of national pride for France and a symbol of resilience for the world.

(With files from AP)