Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors on Saturday five and a half years after a devastating fire destroyed its iconic spire and Gothic roof. The catastrophic blaze on April 15, 2019, resulted in the collapse of the cathedral’s structures within minutes.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the significance of the reopening ahead of the grand ceremony. “The world trembled that day. I believe, and I hope, this reopening will resonate just as powerfully as a shock of hope,” he said.
Macron, grappling with political challenges at home, seized the moment to welcome high-profile leaders to the evening’s event.
Among the distinguished guests are U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Prince William of the United Kingdom, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and dozens of other global heads of state and government. The elaborate ceremony begins at 7 p.m. local time.
The Catholic Church anticipates that Notre Dame will draw approximately 15 million visitors annually. Starting today, visitors can book free tickets online to explore the historic cathedral.