Reopening of Notre-Dame: a festival of hope and unity

Reopening of Notre-Dame: a festival of hope and unity

On Saturday evening, December 7, 2024, the solemn reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was closed since the devastating fire in April 2019. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich carried out a symbolic ceremony by tapping his bishop's rod to the door three times to announce the opening of the iconic church. The French President Emmanuel Macron, who held the ceremony due to bad weather in the cathedral instead of the main portal, expressed his thanks to the countless participants who had contributed to the rescue and restoration of the church. "Tonight the bells of Notre-Dame ring again," Macron announced, delighted, while the Cathedral Choir started the song "Maria, Maria", as FAZ .

The spectacular renovation work, in which not only the roof, but also the interior decoration and many outdoors were restored, marked the completion of a project that was considered urgent and necessary for many. President Macron took the opportunity to conjure up his vision of "fraternity" and national unity, a call that has become more important during this challenging time. The service on Sunday morning will be heralded the regular services into emergency ladies, which thus open another chapter in the history of this historical building.