Xinhua reported that on December 7, Notre Dame Cathedral officially reopened in a grand ceremony attended by world leaders and the public.
The ceremony began with a tribute film, honoring all those who contributed to the rescue and restoration of Notre Dame. The film, “Thank You,” was projected in several languages on the cathedral’s iconic facade.
Speaking at the event, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France's deep gratitude to "all those who saved and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral", as well as to those present to witness the return of the cathedral "to Paris, to France and to the whole world".
President Macron stressed the importance of the restoration, saying, "we have chosen the explosiveness, the will, the path of hope", with the goal of "rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral even more beautiful in five years".
"And tonight, the bells of Notre Dame will ring again," said President Macron.
Following the catastrophic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, France has mobilized unprecedented resources to restore the cathedral - one of the country's finest examples of Gothic architecture.
Restoration efforts began in 2021, with the construction of an original oak frame and the restoration of the cathedral's spire. The chevet cross damaged in the fire at the top of the sanctuary has also been restored.
Some pictures of Notre Dame Cathedral after restoration
