Official announcements from the French government or relevant national honors committee

Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens with Ceremony Led by Archbishop Ulrich

Dec 7, 2024, 07:13 PM

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has officially reopened its doors to the public, five years after a devastating fire in 2019. The reopening ceremony was marked by the presence of international leaders and was presided over by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris. The event included a solemn rite where the archbishop knocked on the cathedral's doors with his cross, awaiting a response from within, symbolized by the cathedral's choirs. The ceremony also featured the first performance of the cathedral's organ since the fire, signifying the completion of the extensive restoration work. The Pope has called for visitors to be welcomed generously and freely into the cathedral. The reconstruction was made possible by the generosity of donors, as acknowledged by the Archbishop of Paris.