President-elect Donald Trump marked his first international trip since his November 2024 electoral victory by attending the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This iconic 12th-century Gothic landmark, severely damaged by a devastating fire in 2019, has been meticulously restored, emerging as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. The event drew a diverse gathering of world leaders, clergy, and citizens to celebrate the cathedral’s enduring cultural and spiritual significance within France and beyond.
The splendor of Notre Dame after 5 years of renovations following the 2019 fire.
Set to reopen in a few days on December 8, 2024. pic.twitter.com/811VymjMtd
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) November 29, 2024
The reopening ceremony highlighted Notre Dame’s remarkable transformation following the catastrophic blaze on April 15, 2019. The fire, which consumed the spire and roof, was likely caused by an electrical fault or a lit cigarette, with the damage exacerbated by the use of centuries-old lead waterproofing techniques. In the aftermath, an unprecedented global fundraising effort secured nearly $1 billion in pledges from 150 countries. The restoration, completed within five years, required extraordinary precision and dedication, leaving $148 million of the funds unspent as of late 2024.
The reopening festivities were presided over by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris. A poignant moment during the ceremony saw the archbishop strike the newly restored cathedral doors with a crosier fashioned from charred remnants of the original structure, an act imbued with profound symbolism. The crowd responded with a rendition of Psalm 121, a hymn of joy and hope. The Great Organ, silent since the fire, was blessed and played for the first time in years, accompanied by hymns and prayers. The evening concluded with a grand concert featuring renowned artists, celebrating Notre Dame’s rebirth in a fittingly majestic fashion.
No one, however, has taken the spotlight more than Donald Trump at these events, writes The Daily Caller.
Trump’s visit to Paris also included meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Élysée Palace. A handshake exchange between Trump and Macron captured significant attention, reflecting the moment’s symbolic weight. Additionally, Trump met Prince William, the Prince of Wales, at the British ambassador’s residence, reinforcing the international scope of the event. These engagements underscored Notre Dame’s ability to bring global figures together in shared reverence for history and heritage.
On Sunday, Notre Dame is set to host its inaugural Mass, including the consecration of its high altar, a spiritual milestone that will mark the culmination of its restoration. With plans to welcome 15 million annual visitors, exceeding pre-fire numbers, the cathedral is poised to reclaim its status as a cornerstone of French culture and a vital global attraction.
In a Truth Social post leading up to the event, Trump expressed admiration for Macron’s leadership in restoring Notre Dame to its “full level of glory.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the ceremony, which also saw the participation of First Lady Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley, representing the United States on behalf of President Joe Biden, who cited scheduling conflicts as a reason for his absence.
Notre Dame’s reopening is more than a celebration of architectural excellence—it is a testament to global collaboration, cultural preservation, and the human spirit’s capacity for renewal. Rising from the ashes of its past, the cathedral now stands as a renewed beacon of faith, unity, and perseverance. As it reopens its doors to millions of visitors, Notre Dame continues to inspire the world, serving as a poignant reminder of what collective determination can achieve in safeguarding the legacies of history for future generations.
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