In a rare display of global unity, leaders and dignitaries from around the world convened in Paris on Saturday to mark the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after a devastating fire ravaged the iconic landmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron led the event, expressing profound gratitude to those who contributed to the cathedral’s restoration. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” Macron said during his address inside the cathedral. He described the occasion as a moment of “hope” for France and the world.
The ceremony drew 1,500 prominent attendees, including U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
First Lady Jill Biden represented the United States, as President Joe Biden was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The event also marked Donald Trump’s first international trip since his re-election. Prior to the ceremony, Trump met with Macron at the Élysée Palace. Their meeting comes at a turbulent time for the French president, whose government is grappling with a political crisis following the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after a no-confidence vote. Despite mounting pressure, Macron has pledged to serve his term until 2027.
Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture completed around 1260 AD, holds deep cultural and historical significance. Before the 2019 fire, it attracted over 13 million visitors annually, outpacing even the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre as France’s most-visited site.
The reopening ceremony highlighted the resilience of the cathedral and its role as a symbol of France’s enduring spirit. With its bells ringing once more and its organ echoing through its hallowed halls, Notre Dame stands renewed, ready to inspire generations to come.
