Paris [France], December 8: Five years after the devastating fire that nearly destroyed the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic landmark reopened its doors in a grand ceremony attended by world leaders, cultural icons, and international dignitaries. Among the notable attendees were US President-elect Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, tech mogul Elon Musk, and Prince William.
The ceremony, led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, marked a significant moment of reflection and celebration. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron welcomed guests, including heads of state, government officials, and representatives from international organizations, to honor those who played a role in rebuilding the UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame will ring again,” President Macron declared during his address. “To all the firefighters, artisans, donors, and volunteers who saved and rebuilt Notre Dame, we owe our gratitude. You have made it even more beautiful and ensured its legacy for future generations.”
In a heartfelt gesture, French firefighters who fought to save the cathedral during the April 15, 2019 fire were given a standing ovation. The word “merci,” French for “thank you,” was illuminated on the façade of the building, symbolizing the nation’s appreciation.
A Testament to Unity and Resilience
The restoration of Notre Dame, completed exactly as it was before the fire, cost an estimated €700 million (USD 737 million). The project was funded through an overwhelming €846 million (USD 891 million) raised from 340,000 donors across 150 countries, showcasing global support for preserving the cultural treasure.
Ahead of the reopening ceremony, President Macron held a trilateral meeting with President-elect Trump and President Zelenskyy. Reflecting on the meeting, Zelenskyy posted on X, “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. Peace through strength is possible.”
Macron, who pledged in 2019 to restore Notre Dame within five years, reiterated his commitment to heritage and history. The ceremony also served as a reminder of the shared values of resilience and collaboration that brought people together to rebuild one of the most significant landmarks in French history.