World leaders attend grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris five years after damaging fire

Sunday, December 8, 2024 

On Saturday, Notre Dame de Paris reopened in Paris, France after five years of closure following a fire in April 2019 that severely damaged the building's structure.

Approximately 50 world leaders attended the grand reopening event, which was taking place over the course of the weekend, and would emphasize the art, culture and history of the cathedral. The event was described as emblematic of French Pride by French president Emmanuel Macron, who said, "This cathedral is a happy metaphor of what nation is and what the world should be. The world finds the cathedral rebuilt and we must keep like a treasure the lesson of fragility, humility and willingness. Tonight we share the joy and the pride."

The ceremony was originally intended to be held outside, but was moved indoors due to suboptimal weather conditions.

Construction of the cathedral was completed in the year 1345. The reconstruction process following the fire required the work of 1,200 artisans. The cathedral was scheduled to hold its first mass on Sunday.

• Kim Willsher. "Notre Dame rises from the ashes at last: world leaders join embattled Macron for grand reopening" — The Guardian, December 7, 2024
• Eleanor Beardsley, Tom Huizenga. "Notre Dame organist returns for the cathedral's grand reopening" — NPR, December 7, 2024