The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened today, in a ceremony attended by Prince William and Donald Trump.
Five years ago, the historic Cathedral was ravaged by a fire. Its 12th Century spire toppled in the blaze, to the horror of onlooking Parisians. Yet in a twist which some called miraculous, its stained glass rose window remained intact.
The cathedral is 861 years old. Its restoration has taken only five years – in comparison to the cathedral itself, which took nearly two centuries to build.
The promptness of the project’s completion has been hailed as a triumph for Macron, against a backdrop of political instability in his government.
World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers will gathered under Notre Dame’s gothic arches to mark the occasion.
The Prince of Wales represented the UK, whilst US first lady Jill Biden and President-elect Donald Trump also attended.
The Prince and president-elect are expected to meet privately to discuss the ‘special relationship’ between their nations.
In total, 1,500 guests attended the reopening led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.
The opening ceremony was held inside the cathedral, due to strong winds outside.
Notre Dame's rector, Rev Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, says the cathedral is "more than just a French monument".
"The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of unity. A sign of hope, because what seemed impossible has become possible."
Archbishop Ulrich began the ceremony by symbolically reopening Notre Dame's grand wooden doors. He tapped them three times with a staff of charred wood, salvaged from the cathedral's burnt roof, before declaring it open as a place of worship.
Psalms, prayers, and hymns filled the building, as the cathedral's thunderous organ, silenced since the fire, was reawakened. The 8,000-pipe instrument sounded at the archbishop's invocation, with organists improvising a new harmony of music.
A star-studded concert took place inside the cathedral, in homage to the labourers who worked on restoration. Performers include pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende.