Pope: Rebirth of Notre Dame a sign of renewal for the Church in France

Pope: Rebirth of Notre Dame a sign of renewal for the Church in France

As the Notre Dame Cathedral reopens its doors for worship, five years after a devastating fire, Pope Francis shared a heartfelt message of solidarity, gratitude, and hope to mark this momentous occasion. He described this transition as one "from sorrow and mourning to joy, celebration, and praise," expressing his spiritual and prayerful connection to the faithful as the cathedral rises from the ashes.

In a message to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris, Pope Francis conveyed his deep joy on this historic day. The message was read by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Apostolic Nuncio to France, during the inauguration ceremony held on Saturday evening.

Reflecting on the tragic fire that ravaged the Cathedral in April 2019, the Pope emphasized the collective grief felt around the world as a treasured symbol of Christian faith, architecture, and French history was destroyed. He also honored the heroic firefighters who risked their lives to save the structure and praised the unwavering dedication of public authorities and the extraordinary international generosity that made the cathedral’s restoration possible.

“This generosity,” the Pope remarked, “is not only a testament to humanity’s bond with art and history but also to the lasting symbolic and sacred significance of this building, widely acknowledged by people of all generations.”

In his message, the Pope also expressed his profound gratitude to the many professionals and artisans who dedicated themselves to the painstaking restoration of Notre Dame. Their work, he noted, went beyond technical accomplishment; it was a spiritual journey. “Many of them have said this adventure was a true spiritual path, following in the footsteps of their ancestors whose faith alone made such a masterpiece possible.”

The renewal of the cathedral, the Pope continued, represents the deep link between faith, craftsmanship, and devotion—testifying to a tradition where "nothing profane, unintelligible, or vulgar has a place."

Pope Francis also highlighted that the reopening of Notre Dame symbolizes the renewal of the Church in France. “Dear faithful of Paris and France, this house, which our Heavenly Father inhabits, is yours: you are its living stones,” he declared.

Looking to the future, the Pope expressed his hopes for the many pilgrims and tourists who will visit Notre Dame in the years ahead, seeking meaning and inspiration. “I know, Your Excellency, that the doors will be open to them, and that you will welcome them generously as brothers and sisters,” he wrote to Archbishop Ulrich.

He expressed his prayer that all who enter the cathedral may find peace and joy in God’s presence, sharing in His “invincible hope” as they look up to the cathedral’s restored, radiant vaults.

In closing, Pope Francis bestowed his apostolic blessing upon those attending the inauguration and called upon the protection of Notre Dame de Paris for both the Church in France and the entire French nation.

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