Italian
A historic event between diplomacy and celebrations
PARIS. Five years after the devastating fire that destroyed it, Notre Dame has reopened its doors today, once again becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for Paris and the entire world. The cathedral’s inauguration was a global event, combining religious and civil celebrations with a busy schedule of diplomatic meetings and moments of spectacle.
The most emotional moment of the day was the tribute to the firefighters who saved the structure from the 2019 fire, welcomed with a standing ovation inside the cathedral. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, dedicated words of thanks and hope to them, recalling the sacrifice and courage shown in those dramatic moments.
Among those present were prominent figures of world politics: French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte, played host welcoming guests such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, and newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump. Absent was Pope Francis, while Elon Musk, arriving late, still managed to attract attention with a post on X depicting the restored arches of the cathedral.
The event also provided the backdrop for crucial meetings, such as a trilateral between Zelensky, Trump, and Macron, defined as “fruitful” by the Ukrainian president. Giorgia Meloni and Trump also took the opportunity for a private bilateral meeting during the evening reception.
The ceremony, lasting about an hour and a half, concluded with a moment of intense emotion: American soprano Nadine Sierra sang the Marseillaise, accompanied by the French army choir, under a light rain that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the audience present.
In his homily, Monsignor Ulrich emphasized the universal value of Notre Dame, recalling that its door is “open to everyone,” believers and non-believers, French and foreigners. “There are not only the princes, the leaders, the notables in the Church. The door is open to everyone,” he declared, sending a message of welcome and inclusivity.
With 2,900 guests inside and an area set up to accommodate up to 40,000 people outside, the event took place in a climate of maximum security. Over 6,000 police officers and gendarmes were mobilized to ensure the protection of an event considered at risk in a context of high terrorist alert.
The reopening of the cathedral marks the beginning of a new chapter for Paris, for France, and for the world. Notre Dame returns to be not only a place of worship, but a universal symbol of rebirth and unity.
