Pope: Rebirth of Notre Dame a sign of renewal for the
Church in France
As Notre Dame Cathedral reopens its doors for worship, five
years after a fire left it in ruins, Pope Francis has a heartfelt message of
solidarity, gratitude, and hope to mark the occasion.
By Linda Bordoni
Official ceremony marks reopening of Notre-Dame
Cathedral (ANSA)
Describing the moment as one of transition "from
sadness and mourning to joy, celebration, and praise," Pope Francis said
he joins the faithful in spirit and prayer as Notre Dame Cathedral is reborn
from the embers.
In a message addressed to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of
Paris, the Pope expressed his joy on this historic day. The message was read by
the Apostolic Nuncio to France, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, during the
inauguration ceremony on Saturday evening.
A monument saved by courage and unity
Recalling the tragic fire that gutted the Cathedral in April
2019, the Pope highlighted the collective sorrow felt as the world witnessed
the destruction of a masterpiece of Christian faith and architecture and
testimony of French history.
He also paid homage to the brave firefighters who risked
their lives to preserve the structure and upheld the unwavering commitment of
public authorities and the extraordinary international generosity that fueled
the cathedral’s restoration.
“This generosity,” the Pope noted, “is not only a testament
to humanity’s attachment to art and history but also to the enduring symbolic
and sacred value of such an edifice, still widely recognized by people of all
ages.”
Paris prepares for the reopening of Notre Dame
A spiritual journey
In his message, the Holy Father extended his gratitude to
the countless professionals and artisans who devoted themselves to the
meticulous restoration of Notre Dame.
Their work, he remarked, was more than a technical
achievement; it was a spiritual journey: “Many of them have testified that this
adventure was an authentic spiritual path, following in the footsteps of their
forefathers whose faith alone made such a masterpiece possible.”
This renewal, the Pope added, is a reflection of the
profound connection between faith, craftsmanship, and dedication, a testament
to a tradition where "nothing profane, unintelligible, or vulgar finds a
place."
Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
A prophetic symbol
The reopening of Notre Dame, Pope Francis said, serves as a
prophetic symbol of the Church’s renewal in France.
“Dear faithful of Paris and France, this house, which our
Heavenly Father inhabits, is yours: you are its living stones,” he said.
The Pope also looked forward to the multitudes who will
visit Notre Dame in the years to come—pilgrims and tourists alike, many of whom
seek meaning and hope.
“I know, Your Excellency, that the doors will be wide open
for them, and that you will welcome them generously and freely as brothers and
sisters,” he wrote to Archbishop Ulrich.
He expressed his hope that those who enter the cathedral may
encounter the peace and joy that flow from God’s presence and “share in His
invincible hope” as they lift their eyes toward the renewed vaults, now radiant
with light.
A blessing for France
In conclusion, Pope Francis imparted his apostolic blessing
to all those present at Saturday’s inauguration and invoked the protection of
Notre Dame de Paris over the Church in France and the entire French nation.
The gargoyles of Notre Dame
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