PARIS — Five years after a devastating fire threatened to destroy one of the world’s most iconic religious landmarks, Notre Dame Cathedral triumphantly reopened Sunday, hosting its first mass and symbolizing resilience and national pride.
Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich led the historic service, with French President Emmanuel Macron and 250 clergy members in attendance, marking a profound moment of restoration and hope for France.
The cathedral, which nearly collapsed during the catastrophic 2019 blaze, has undergone a meticulous five-year renovation, reconstructing its legendary spire and reinforcing its structural integrity. Firefighters, honored during the ceremony, received a standing ovation as they walked through the congregation.
“Whether you are here in person or watching remotely, I greet you with intense emotion,” Ulrich told the assembled faithful, also offering a prayer for a nation grappling with political uncertainty.
The reopening comes amid a turbulent political landscape, with Macron facing challenges following June’s parliamentary elections. Yet the cathedral’s restoration stands as a testament to French determination and cultural preservation.
A second mass Sunday evening will welcome 2,500 ticket holders, with full public access beginning December 16 through an online reservation system.
“We have rediscovered what great nations can do – achieve the impossible,” Macron proclaimed, emphasizing the significance of the cathedral’s resurrection.
For many Parisians, the moment represents more than architectural restoration. “It’s beautiful because it shows the church still has a role, discreet and small, to play in France,” said Jacques, a 21-year-old engineering student.
The Gothic masterpiece, which narrowly escaped total destruction in 2019, now stands as a symbol of renewal, its intricate facade and famous belltowers restored to their former glory.
