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 film to express gratitude and honor all those who have contributed to the rescue and restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral. The film "Thank You" is shown in many languages on the symbolic facade of the church.
Speaking at the event, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France's deep gratitude to "all those who have helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral", as well as to those who were present to witness the return of the city "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 "building Notre Dame Cathedral even more beautiful in 5 years".
"And tonight, the bells of Notre Dame ring again," President Macron said.
After the catastrophic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019, France 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 church's spire. On the top of the sanctuary, the chevet cross damaged in the fire has also been restored.
