In just a few hours, much of Notre-Dame Cathedral was destroyed in the heart of the French capital. But despite the immense damage, President Emmanuel Macron is convinced in a televised speech that the church can be rebuilt within just five years.
The Parisian landmark should be even more beautiful than before. „We can do it,“ Macron said confidently. The disaster must become an opportunity to grow together.
The head of state had already promised to rebuild during the day. In the face of the fire, Macron had canceled a speech on the reforms planned by his government. In the televised speech he again postponed the reforms indefinitely. It is not the right moment for it.
Consultations on reconstruction already started
In the evening, French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe convened a ministerial meeting to discuss rebuilding. Several countries offered support to France, including technical expertise on how restoration could be accomplished.
After the fire, there were also a variety of donations, alone the three French billionaire families Arnault, Pinault and Bettencourt-Meyers want to give a total of half a billion euros.
No intentional arson
The fire was discovered around 6:40 pm on Monday. It took until the next morning, until the last glowing nests could be deleted.
The exact cause of the fire that broke out on the wooden loft is yet to be determined. It is speculated that the fire originated during construction works. The prosecution has started investigations, but does not assume intentional arson.
Destruction inside less bad than feared
The exact damage and losses due to the flames still have to be recorded. However, the monument director of Notre Dame, Laurent Prades, announced that the destruction inside the cathedral was less drastic than initially feared.
The high altar was severely damaged by the fallen pinnacle, „we have been able to save the rest“. So the three big colorful rosette windows were not destroyed. The extent to which they were damaged by the heat, but still needs to be tested, said Prades. And further:
„All stelae from the 18th century, the pietàs, the frescoes, the chapels and the great organ are fine.“
Ringing the bell as a sign of connectedness
About 24 hours after the flames were discovered in Notre-Dame, the bells rang in cathedrals nationwide as a sign of solidarity with the diocese of Paris.
Also in Germany, church bells were sounding as a sign of attachment, for example in the Cologne Cathedral and the Hamburger Michel.
