Rebuilding hope: Macron tours near-finished Notre Dame restoration
Emmanuel Macron visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Friday, a site undergoing reconstruction after a devastating fire. The French president emphasized that the initial event was a "shock" and hoped its restoration would create an equally profound "shock of hope."
Emmanuel Macron, President of France, visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where restoration efforts following the 2019 fire are nearing completion. Macron remarked that the fire was a "shock" and aimed for the cathedral's reopening in December to be a comparably strong "shock of hope."
During his visit, Macron met with artisans and specialists engaged in the five-year renovation of the cathedral. They discussed the intricacies of the restoration process and highlighted the unanticipated archaeological discoveries made during the work. Traditional methods and materials have been employed to restore Notre Dame's splendour.
During Macron's visit, approximately 1,300 of the 2,000 individuals involved in the reconstruction gathered in front of the cathedral. The project's cost is estimated at around 1,000 million Canadian dollars, and it has been made possible thanks to worldwide donations.
Solemn reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is set for December 7 and 8. The first day will focus on political significance, featuring representatives from countries financing the reconstruction. On December 8, the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, will celebrate the first Mass, with participation from over 150 bishops, priests, and faithful from various parishes.
It is confirmed that Pope Francis will not attend the solemn service. The Pope has emphasized that he wishes to avoid diverting attention from the event.
The cathedral will welcome visitors starting December 8. During the first week after the reopening, visitors can enter the cathedral until 10 PM ET. Free tickets can be reserved on the day of the visit or a day or two prior. The cathedral will accommodate between 1,900 and 3,000 people.
