After being ravaged by a fire five years ago, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has unveiled its restored interior to French President Emmanuel Macron. The 700-million-euro restoration project, funded by donations from 150 countries, has painstakingly rebuilt the cathedral to its former glory, including the resurrection of the 19th-century Gothic spire. The landmark is set to officially reopen on December 7, with expectations of welcoming even more visitors than the 12 million it received in 2017. Despite discussions of charging tourists an entrance fee, the Catholic Church has decided to maintain free admission.
The restoration project, involving 2,000 people from various professions, aims to make Notre-Dame “even more beautiful” than before the fire, as Macron expressed. World leaders, including Macron, will attend the reopening, although Pope Francis has announced he will not be present. The French Catholic Church, marred by sexual abuse allegations in recent years, remains thankful for the support received in saving the historic cathedral. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with initial findings suggesting an accidental source.
Through dedication and support from around the world, Notre-Dame Cathedral has risen from the ashes to shine once again, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for the global community.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
