In an interview with the Sunday edition of the “Krone”, Nehammer, who represented Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Paris according to Kathpress, described the reopening as “a stunning moment for Europe as well as a strong symbol after a crisis “. The fire of 2019 hit him hard, especially since he adn his wife had been to Paris many times before the wedding, with the cathedral always being the focus of their visit. notre dame represents “the Christian heritage of Europe” and “a place for encounters, prayer and reflection,” Nehammer told the newspaper.
In a speech to about 1,500 invited guests at the cathedral,Macron said the restoration of the church within five years proved what france was capable of. “We have discovered once again what great nations are capable of: doing the unfeasible,” he said. “This cathedral is a happy symbol of what a nation can be and what the world should be.”
Macron thanked everyone who helped restore the cathedral: “I express France’s gratitude to them before we return the cathedral to its religious purpose, for Catholics, for Paris and for the whole world.”
Firefighters who saved Notre-dame from the flames in 2019 and craftsmen involved in the reconstruction of the church received minutes of applause at the ceremony. A huge “Merci” (thank you) was projected onto the west face of the cathedral.
Along with Nehammer,German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier,greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou,Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Polish president Andrzej Duda also took part in the ceremony. The royal couple Philippe and Mathilde came from Belgium, heir to the throne Prince William from Great Britain and Prince Albert from Monaco.US President Joe Biden is represented in Paris by his wife Jill.
Several heads of state in Africa are also present: the President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, his counterpart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi, the President of Gabon Brice Oligui Nguema and the President of togo Faure Gnassingbe.
Macron took advantage of the chance to hold political talks. In the afternoon he received US President-elect Donald Trump for the first time, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. After the three-way meeting, Macron called for “the continuation of the joint commitment to peace and security.” Zelensky said the meeting was “productive.”
Due to the bad whether, the evening opening ceremony was moved inside the cathedral.First, the archbishop should have been the first to move into the still empty cathedral. For him it is the symbolic takeover of his episcopal see, the cathedral – from which the name cathedral comes.
Pope Francis expressed his joy at the re-opening of the cathedral. At the same time,he thanked everyone involved in the restoration of the church. The Holy Father hopes that “the rebirth of this great church will be a sign of the renewal of the Church in France,” said the Pope in a message read in the church.
The Pope reiterated the position of the diocese of Paris, which insisted that entry to the cathedral remain free. “Their gates will be wide open,” Francis wrote. He hopes that the Archbishop of Paris will “welcome everyone with open arms and free,like brothers and sisters.”
The Pope recalled the “terrible fire” in April 2019 and the damage it caused to the Gothic building. “Today, sadness and grief give way to joy, party and praise,” Francis said. He praised the “remarkable work of many professional groups” during the reconstruction and the courage of the firefighters who saved the church from the flames.
the fire severely damaged the church on 15 April 2019.The entire roof structure was burnt and the burning crossing tower collapsed into the body. Thanks to generous donations from all over the world worth a total of 846 million euros, it was possible to thoroughly restore Notre Dame in just over five years.
What role does Notre-Dame Cathedral play in European cultural identity and heritage?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural heritage Expert on the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on cultural heritage. Today, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Elena Mayer, a renowned expert in European monumental restoration and cultural significance, with us. We’ll be discussing the much-anticipated reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which has been described as a “stunning moment for Europe” by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mayer.
Dr. Elena Mayer: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be hear to discuss such an iconic site.
Editor: Chancellor Nehammer referred to the reopening as a “strong symbol after a crisis.” In your opinion, what kind of symbolism does Notre-Dame embody for Europe and the world?
Dr. Mayer: Absolutely! Notre-Dame is not just a masterpiece of Gothic architecture; it is a notable cultural and historical landmark. For many, it’s an embodiment of the Christian heritage of Europe, but it’s also a space that represents resilience and renewal. After the devastating fire in 2019,its restoration and reopening symbolize hope and the collective commitment to preserving our history,despite setbacks.
Editor: That’s a great point. You mentioned resilience. How does the process of restoring such an iconic structure reflect broader societal themes?
Dr.Mayer: The restoration of Notre-Dame is a reflection of the resilience not only of a building but of a society coming together to heal and to protect its heritage. The cathedral has served as a site of gathering, spiritual reflection, and national identity for centuries. The collaborative efforts to restore it—drawing on craftsmen,historians,artisans,and volunteers—echo the idea that cultural heritage is a shared responsibility and vital to our collective identity.
Editor: Chancellor Nehammer also mentioned that Notre-Dame has personal significance to him and his wife.How crucial do personal connections to cultural sites influence the public’s engagement with heritage?
Dr. Mayer: Personal connections play a crucial role in how the public perceives and engages with cultural sites. For many, places like Notre-Dame are not just historical landmarks; they are woven into the fabric of our memories and experiences. Personal stories create a deeper sense of ownership and advocacy for heritage conservation. When individuals feel an emotional tie to a site, they are more likely to support its preservation and share its significance with future generations.
Editor: With so many resources poured into its restoration, what can we expect the reopening of Notre-Dame to do for Paris and Europe at large, especially in terms of tourism and cultural pride?
Dr. Mayer: The reopening is likely to revitalize tourism in Paris, attracting millions who wish to witness its grandeur firsthand. it offers an possibility for cultural exchange and learning, as it will onc again serve as a hub for both locals and tourists. More than just an economic boost, the reopening will reinforce a sense of cultural pride and ownership, showcasing not only the beauty of the cathedral itself but also the collective effort that went into bringing it back to life.
editor: as we look forward to the reopening, what do you hope will be the lasting impact of Notre-Dame’s restoration on future generations?
Dr. Mayer: I hope the restoration of Notre-Dame will inspire future generations to appreciate and learn from our shared cultural heritage. It’s crucial for young people to understand the importance of historical sites—not just as tourist attractions but as vital parts of our identity, culture, and shared history. If we can foster this thankfulness, it will drive a commitment to safeguarding our heritage for generations to come.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mayer, for sharing your insights on Notre-Dame’s reopening and its significance. It’s clear that this iconic cathedral is more than just a structure; it carries the weight of history, culture, and hope for a unified future.
Dr. Mayer: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss such an critically important topic!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We look forward to seeing how the reopening of notre-Dame unfolds and what it means for the future. Until next time!