Paris: The Crown of Thorns, worn by Jesus during his crucifixion, has been returned to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris for public veneration. This revered relic, encased in a round glass and gold tube, arrived in a special casket as a tribute to its long history in the cathedral. For centuries, the Crown of Thorns has been one of Notre Dame’s most significant treasures.

Following the fire that partially destroyed the cathedral in 2019, the relics, including the Crown of Thorns, were carefully relocated for safekeeping. While the cathedral underwent restoration and was consecrated last week, the historic relic had yet to return to its home. The Crown of Thorns was brought back to Notre Dame on Friday, with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris leading the ceremony. A large crowd gathered to witness the momentous occasion.

The event was broadcast live by the Associated Press and several French media outlets on YouTube. From January 10 to April 18, 2025, the public will have the chance to venerate the Crown of Thorns every Friday, with this opportunity continuing on the first Friday of each month after April.

In 1239, King Louis IX of France acquired the Crown of Thorns from Constantinople for 135,000 livres, a sum that equaled half of France’s annual budget at the time. Originally kept in a chapel at the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of French kings until the 14th century, the relic was moved to Notre Dame in 1806. Despite the fire that ravaged parts of the cathedral in the 19th century, the Crown of Thorns remained undamaged.