Pope Francis has announced that he will not travel to Paris for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, scheduled for December 7, due to his health problems and commitments.
Published on 07/11/2024 11:16
Reading time: 4 minutes
A month before its reopening, Notre-Dame de Paris, devastated by a fire in 2019, has regained its emblematic silhouette. The cathedral will reopen its doors on December 7, 2024, marked by a ceremony whose details remain unclear. This reopening, promised by Emmanuel Macron in the aftermath of the tragedy, seems to be holding up well despite the interruptions linked to the pandemic and health measures.
The spire, which fell before the eyes of the Parisians, is now rebuilt identically according to the plans of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Some works remain to be completed, such as the lead covering of the base of the spire and the reinstallation of the statues of the apostles and saints, scheduled for 2025.
Employees install panels with gold nails on the Crown of Thorns reliquary which will be installed in the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, at the Ateliers Saint-Jacques and at the Fonderie de Coubertin, in Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse south of Paris, November 6, 2024. (JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP)
Those responsible for the restoration, who have mobilized 250 companies and hundreds of artisans, estimate that one million more visitors could come to admire the cathedral, which welcomed 12 million people in 2017. A new circulation system will be put in place and online booking.
Inside, the layout has been redesigned, with minimalist liturgical furnishings and new lighting. The stained glass windows, intact during the fire, have been restored, and the The “mays”, these 17th century altarpieces, are also back. The building regains its spiritual and patrimonial role, with Christ’s crown of thorns still present in a contemporary reliquary.
The lead covering at the base of the cathedral roof remains to be completed, while the statues of the apostles and saints, removed before the fire for their restoration, will be reinstalled by the first half of 2025. Although the work is progressing, cranes and on the scaffolding is still visible on the site.
Tourists, always kept at a distance by palisades and barbed wire, flock to the square every day to observe the progress of the external works, in particular the laying of the new limestone slab paving in front of the large main gate. According to those responsible for the project, after several years of effort, it is close to completion.
The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is a highly anticipated event, symbolizing spiritual and cultural renewal. For Antoinette Mirin, a 65-year-old believer, this represents “faith, religion, heritage, history of Paris”ea “renewal” which particularly delights Catholics at the beginning of Advent. Jean-Michel Len
iaud, president of the Society of Friends of Notre-Dame, emphasizes that the cathedral is “the temple of the Nation”a strong emblem of the history of Paris and France. However, this reopening also raises concerns, especially in the face of the influx of visitors. Virginie Eholian, for example, fears that the crowds and distractions of tourists could damage her spiritual experience, admitting: “Tourists can prevent me from living my faith.”
As for the program, on December 7, during the reopening ceremony, Emmanuel Macron will speak and the recently restored organ will be “awakened”. The first mass will take place on December 8, with the consecration of the new altar by Msgr. Ulrich. Despite receiving an invitation from the president, Pope Francis made it known that he would ultimately not be present at the ceremony. Paul McCartney, in concert in Paris shortly before the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris on December 7, could participate in the celebrations of this long-awaited event, in the company of other great artists such as Bono, to celebrate the resurrection of the monument.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Notre-Dame Restoration Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. With Notre-Dame de Paris set to reopen its doors on December 7, 2024, following the devastating fire in 2019, there’s much excitement surrounding the occasion. However, it was recently announced that Pope Francis will not be attending due to health issues. How significant is this absence for the reopening ceremony?
Expert: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The absence of Pope Francis is indeed notable given that Notre-Dame holds immense significance not just for Paris, but for Catholics around the world. His presence would have symbolized a restoration of hope and resilience following the tragedy. It’s a reminder that while we celebrate the reopening, the challenges faced—both personally by the Pope and by many during this restoration—are very real.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, and we can sense the anticipation building as the reopening approaches. The restoration has been a monumental task, mobilizing 250 companies and hundreds of artisans. What were some of the key challenges faced during this restoration process?
Expert: There were numerous challenges! Besides the immediate repairs from the fire, which were extensive, the project faced interruptions due to the pandemic, affecting timelines and resources. Additionally, ensuring that the restoration adhered to the original designs by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc while incorporating modern safety standards was complex. There was a strong emphasis on maintaining the cathedral’s integrity and historical significance, which necessitated great care and expertise.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the historical integrity of the cathedral. One of the exciting aspects is the rebuilding of the spire. How has that process unfolded, and how closely does it resemble the original structure?
Expert: The rebuilding of the spire was carefully planned to match Viollet-le-Duc’s original designs, which many Parisians watched fall in 2019. Every detail has been faithfully replicated, from the wood to the lead covering. While work is still being done on the base of the spire, I think the most exciting part for visitors will be seeing the completed spire on the cathedral, which has become symbolic of its restoration.
Time.news Editor: Furthermore, the interior layout of Notre-Dame is being redesigned, particularly the minimalistic liturgical furnishings. How does this redesign align with the spiritual and cultural role of the cathedral moving forward?
Expert: The redesign reflects a blend of tradition and modernity. While the minimalist furnishings enhance the spiritual ambiance, they also provide more room for visitors to experience the space in new ways. The stained glass windows were thankfully preserved in the fire, and restoring them alongside the altarpieces allows the cathedral to maintain its deep-rooted patrimonial significance. The incorporation of contemporary elements, like the reliquary for Christ’s crown of thorns, symbolizes a bridge between the past and future of the faith.
Time.news Editor: That’s a brilliant perspective, and it’s thrilling to think about how many visitors—potentially an additional million—will flock to experience the cathedral after its reopening. Do you have any insights into how visitor experiences might change with the proposed new circulation system and online booking?
Expert: Yes, the new circulation system is a significant step forward in managing visitor flow, especially given the intense interest in Notre-Dame. Online booking will make planning visits more efficient, allowing for a more organized experience than before the fire. This approach not only enhances visitor safety but also encourages a more contemplative experience inside the cathedral itself, as guests won’t be rushed through.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a thoughtful approach. As we prepare for this historic reopening, what message do you think the restoration of Notre-Dame communicates to the world?
Expert: The restoration signifies resilience, hope, and the ability to rise from adversity. It sends a powerful message that cultural heritage can endure and be revitalized, even after devastating events. The reopening will allow people not only to witness the restoration but also to reconnect with the spiritual and historic significance of the cathedral. It’s a celebration of humanity’s commitment to preserving history for future generations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is shaping up to be a momentous occasion, and it’s fascinating to learn about the restoration journey. We look forward to witnessing this historic landmark return in all its glory.
Expert: Thank you for having me. Let’s all look forward to celebrating this remarkable achievement together!