(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 07.12.2024).- On the occasion of the reopening of the Parisian Cathedral of Notre Dame, which took place on the afternoon of December 7 in Paris, Pope Francis made himself present at the ceremony through a Message read before a multitude of Heads of State and Government, ecclesial leaders and the civilian population that filled the Cathedral.
Here is a translation of the Pope’s words, which were read in French.
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To His Excellency Archbishop Laurent Ulrich
Archbishop of Paris
It is a great pleasure for me, Excellency, to unite myself to you in thought and prayer, as well as to all the faithful gathered here and all those present, on this solemn day in which your Cathedral reopens for worship. We all still remember the terrible fire that seriously damaged the building five years ago. It pained our heart given the risk of seeing a masterpiece of Christian faith and architecture disappear, a millennial testimony of your national history. Today, sadness and mourning have given way to joy, celebration and praise.
I greet all those, especially the fire fighters, who worked with so much courage to save this historic monument from sinking. I greet the determined commitment of the political authorities and the great international generosity, which contributed to the restoration. This effusion is a sign not only of the commitment to art and history, but also – and this is very encouraging! – a sign that the symbolic and sacred sign of such a building continues to be fully perceived from the smallest to the greatest.
I would also like to pay tribute to the notable work carried out by the numerous men and women artisans involved, who have generously given their all to give back to Notre Dame its ancient splendour. It is beautiful and comforting that the trades of yesteryear have been preserved and improved. But it is even more beautiful that many of the workers and artisans have given witness of having lived the adventure of restoration as a genuine spiritual journey. They have followed in the footsteps of their forefathers, whose faith alone, lived in their work, was able to build such a masterwork where nothing profane, unintelligible or vulgar has a place.
May the rebirth of this admirable church be a prophetic sign of the renewal of the Church in France. I invite all the baptized that will enter this Cathedral joyfully, to feel a legitimate pride and to claim their patrimony of faith. Dear faithful of Paris and France, this abode, in which our heavenly Father dwells, is yours; you are its living stones. Those that preceded you in the faith built it for you: the innumerable representations and symbols it contains intend to guide you with greater security to the encounter with God made Man and to rediscover His immense love.
Moreover, Notre Dame will soon be visited and admired again by immense crowds of people of all conditions, origins, languages and cultures, many of them in search of the Absolute and of the meaning of their lives. I know, Excellency, that its doors will be open wide for them, and that you will commit yourself to welcome them generously and for free as brother and sisters. May they perceive in it the Christian community’s testimony of peace that dwells in His praise, may they feel the joy of knowing and loving the Lord who has made Himself close, compassionate and tender. That, raising their eyes to these vaults, which have recovered their light, may they share their invincible hope.
Imploring upon the Church of France and upon all the French people, the protection of Notre Dame of Paris, I impart to you and to all those present my heartfelt Blessing.
Francis
Saint John Lateran, November 21, 2024
