Paris' Iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopens after 2019 fire restoration

Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors on Saturday, marking a triumphant moment for France after the iconic 12th-century landmark was nearly destroyed by a devastating fire in 2019. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich symbolically knocked on the cathedral’s doors before entering the restored Gothic structure for a two-hour ceremony attended by hundreds of dignitaries.

Wearing newly designed vestments and carrying a staff made from a surviving roof beam, Ulrich declared the cathedral open. French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sat in the front row, alongside other global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Attendees marveled at the cathedral’s restored beauty, featuring cleaned walls, new furniture, and advanced lighting.

Outside, despite stormy weather, Parisians and tourists gathered to witness the reopening of a beloved monument. The €700 million restoration, funded entirely by donations, was completed within five years, as promised by Macron. The effort overcame challenges like lead contamination, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the death of the project’s original overseer.

Macron hailed the achievement as a testament to French creativity and resilience, calling it proof of the nation’s ability to "do the impossible." Security was tight, with 6,000 officers deployed, reminiscent of the recent Paris Olympics.

The event also carried political undertones. Macron hosted trilateral talks with Trump and Zelensky before the ceremony, reportedly discussing U.S. military support for Ukraine amidst its war with Russia. Trump, on his first international trip since re-election, hinted at plans to end the conflict, sparking concerns in Kyiv.

Pope Francis, though absent, sent a message to be read aloud during the ceremony. The exact cause of the 2019 blaze remains unknown, though investigators suspect an electrical fault.

On Sunday, the first mass will be held at the cathedral, featuring 170 bishops and over 100 priests, followed by a public service in the evening. The reopening of Notre Dame stands as a powerful symbol of France’s resilience and global cooperation.