Notre-Dame de Paris reopens after five years of restoration
Notre-Dame. Photo: DW
On December 7, 2024, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris reopened in Paris after a five-year extensive restoration prompted by the devastating fire in April 2019, reports Francetvinfo.
The grand reopening was attended by more than 40 heads of state and government, including the elected U.S. President Donald Trump, his associate Elon Musk, Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and others. Prominent benefactors who contributed significant funds to the cathedral’s restoration, religious figures, artists, celebrities, and other dignitaries were also invited.
The opening ceremony was broadcast by TV channels in over 20 countries and featured a film dedicated to the events following the fire, readings of Louis Aragon's poetry, and musical performances by the Capuçon brothers. Due to inclement weather, part of the program was moved inside the cathedral.
The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, symbolically knocked on the doors of Notre-Dame with his staff before opening them to the faithful. Rescuers and builders who had been involved in combating the fire and restoring the cathedral were met with standing ovations.
Earlier, the UOJ reported on the reasons behind the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris.
Read also
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'
"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."
Rep. Bacon: 'I Don't Think the UOC Takes Orders from Russia'
Earlier this week, the congressman rejected an opportunity for dialogue with members of the Society of St. John who visited his office despite them holding the same viewpoint.
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.