A symbol of resilience and national pride, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris officially reopened to the public on Saturday, nearly five years after a devastating fire brought it to the brink of collapse. The grand reopening featured a powerful message of gratitude, with the word “Merci” projected onto the cathedral’s iconic façade, thanking all those involved in saving and restoring the Gothic masterpiece.
The event began with Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, striking the cathedral doors three times with his crozier, symbolically reopening the doors. Following this, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the nation’s deep gratitude to the first responders and restoration teams, who worked tirelessly to preserve the cathedral’s historic beauty. “Tonight we can together share joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the republic, and long live France,” Macron said to a gathered crowd, including prominent figures like US president-elect Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Pope Francis, who called the day “a celebration of renewal.”
The cathedral, which dates back to 1163, has undergone a meticulous restoration process, restoring its intricate details and splendor. The spire, flying buttresses, carved stone gargoyles, and golden decorations have been returned to their former glory, marking the triumph of the restoration effort. Thousands of skilled workers, from stonemasons to stained-glass artists, worked tirelessly to rebuild what was damaged or destroyed by the fire.
On the evening of April 15, 2019, the fire shocked the world as Parisians watched in horror. Macron reflected on the emotional impact of the event, noting, “The planet was shaken on that day. The shock of the reopening will be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope.”
In a symbolic gesture, the cathedral’s bells rang out as guests, including former French Presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, stood and applauded as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky entered. The rebuilding of the cathedral not only represents a significant achievement in preservation but also a message of hope for the future of France and its culture.
The day after the ceremony, the first mass will be held, attended by 170 bishops and over 100 Paris priests. For the first time in years, the cathedral will once again welcome visitors, with free tickets now available for future visits. However, demand is high, and tickets for the upcoming days were quickly booked out.
Notre-Dame’s restoration, supported by over €840 million in donations from around the world, serves as a testament to the global significance of the cathedral, which has stood as a symbol of Paris and French heritage for nearly nine centuries. As the cathedral reopens, it continues to be more than just a monument—it’s a universal landmark and a beacon of hope for future generations.