The Pope has declined an invitation to preside over the first Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral’s reopening in Paris.
President Emmanuel Macron extended the invitation for the December 8 ceremony, but Pope Francis, in a recent press conference, firmly stated, “I will not go to Paris!” without elaborating.
The eighth-century cathedral was devasted by a fire in 2019, severely damaging its roof, spire and parts of the interior. Restoration efforts have been ongoing ever since.
The pontiff’s decision has sparked speculation about the Pope’s attitude toward France, as he has yet to make an official visit to the country since his 2013 election, despite previous visits to Strasbourg and Marseille.
Speaking to The Times, French news outlet Le Figaro said: “It seems increasingly obvious that Pope Francis is giving the cold shoulder to France”.
