The term ‘Merci’ was illuminated on the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris as it reopened, a gesture of appreciation for its restoration following a catastrophic fire that nearly led to its collapse five years prior.
The first responders who safeguarded the Gothic wonder, along with others involved in its restoration, received a standing ovation after Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, struck the cathedral’s doors three times with his staff before reopening the building in a symbolic act.
“I come before you to convey the gratitude of the French nation, and our thanks go out to all who saved, assisted, and rebuilt the cathedral,” stated French President Emmanuel Macron.
“This evening, we can collectively embrace joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the republic, and long live France.”
Pope Francis remarked that this was a day of “joy, celebration, and praise.”
In a message shared aloud, the pope expressed hope that “the revival of this admirable church would serve as a prophetic symbol of the Church’s renewal in France.”
The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, was present and stated he was privileged to represent the bishops and people of Ireland at the ceremony.
He remarked, “Today, I am honored to represent the bishops and people of Ireland, joined by bishops from Europe and civic leaders worldwide.”
The 860-year-old medieval structure has undergone meticulous restoration, featuring a newly installed spire and rib vaulting, with its flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles restored to their former magnificence, and bright white stone and gold adornments gleaming once more.
Mr. Trump greeted Britain’s Prince William, along with heads of state and government, as he made his way to the front of the cathedral to sit alongside Mr. Macron in the front row.
Earlier, guests applauded as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky entered the cathedral.
The facade of the restored cathedral at Notre-Dame
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was a close adviser in Trump’s transition team, also attended, alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former French presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Earlier, tourists, still unable to enter the cathedral, took pictures with the newly restored building in the backdrop as final preparations for the ceremony were underway inside.
“It was heartbreaking to see it in ruins and charred, but amazing to witness its restoration. Yes, it is truly remarkable,” said 26-year-old American tourist Amanda Nguyen.
Many Parisians expressed their delight.
“What does Notre-Dame signify to me? This. Look, it’s here,” said careworker Pascal Tordeux, displaying a tattoo of the cathedral on his arm. “It embodies everything.”
“I observed the construction daily from my window—the spire coming down and going back up. I witnessed the fire and then saw it rise again. I followed it day by day,” said Mr. Tordeux, who resides across the river from Notre-Dame.
On the night of April 15, 2019, distraught Parisians rushed to the scene, as viewers across the globe horror-stricken witnessed the flames engulf the cathedral.
Notre-Dame Cathedral suffered extensive damage due to fire in 2019
“The planet trembled that day,” Mr. Macron said prior to the event. “The impact of the reopening will—at least, this is my hope—be as profound as that of the fire, but it will be a symbol of hope.”
Trump, Macron, Zelensky meet in Paris
Mr. Trump, Mr. Macron, and Mr. Zelensky convened for a trilateral meeting ahead of the cathedral ceremony.
Mr. Zelensky and European leaders harbored concerns that Mr. Trump, who is set to take office next month, might withdraw US military support to Ukraine at a pivotal time in its struggle against Russia.
Mr. Zelensky noted that the meeting was “productive” and that the three leaders agreed to continue their collaborative efforts.
“President Trump is, as always, determined. I appreciate him,” Mr. Zelensky posted on the social media platform X.
“We all desire an end to this war as promptly as possible and in a just manner.”
The meeting was significant for Mr. Macron, who is facing domestic political challenges.
Mr. Trump’s visit to Paris marked his first trip abroad following his victory in the presidential election last month, and it presented Mr. Macron with an early chance to act as a mediator between Europe and the incoming president, a role he has enjoyed in the past.
Mr. Macron is a staunch advocate for the NATO alliance and supports Ukraine’s efforts, while Mr. Trump believes that European nations should contribute more toward their collective defense.
He has stated that a negotiated resolution is essential for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
Upon arriving at the Élysée Palace, Mr. Trump told Mr. Macron they had achieved “great success” during his first presidential term.
“And the world does seem a bit chaotic right now. We will discuss that,” Mr. Trump added.
The meeting among the three leaders lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Thousands worked on restoration
Due to forecasts of strong winds, the non-religious portions of the festivities, including Mr. Macron’s address—which was originally planned to take place outside the cathedral—will also occur indoors.
Tomorrow morning will see the first mass with 170 bishops and over 100 priests from Paris, followed by a second service in the evening open to the public.
Those wishing to attend can now reserve free tickets online via the cathedral’s website.
However, on the first day bookings were made available for the forthcoming days, the site indicated all tickets had been claimed.
Group visits are slated to commence next year—from February 1 for religious groups and from June 9 for tourists accompanied by guides.
The Catholic Church anticipates that the cathedral will attract 15 million visitors annually.
Thousands of specialists—from carpenters and stonemasons to stained glass window artists—worked tirelessly over the past five years, applying traditional methods to restore, repair, or replace everything that was lost or damaged.
A light show is projected onto Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral last night
“Notre-Dame is more than a Parisian or French monument; it’s a universal monument,” commented historian Damien Berne.
“It’s a landmark, an emblem, a reference point that brings reassurance in a rapidly evolving globalized world,” said Mr. Berne, a member of the scientific council for the restoration.
The cathedral’s first stone was laid in 1163, with construction spanning much of the subsequent century and significant restorations and additions occurring in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Victor Hugo immortalized the cathedral as a symbol of Paris and France when it became the setting for his 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’.
Quasimodo, the protagonist, has been depicted in Hollywood films, an animated Disney version, and stage musicals.
An impressive sum, exceeding €840 million, was donated for its restoration from around the globe, according to the French president’s office, leaving additional funds for future investments in the building.
