Macron Tells French Citizens: We Will Rebuild the Cathedral and ‘Find Our National Path’

He vows to restore Notre Dame, says now is not time for politics

By FaithZette Staff | April 16, 2019

On an average day in Paris, France, some 30,000 people visit the famed Notre Dame Cathedral — and now, French President Emmanuel Macron announced to the French people on Tuesday that he is determined to rebuild the noted cathedral during the next five years.

“Yes, we will rebuild in the next five years, [and make it] even more beautiful,” Macron said.

Several French billionaires have promised a significant amount of money toward the rebuilding efforts.

Related: Major Fire at Notre Dame Cathedral — Heartbreaking

Firefighters risked their lives to try to save the cathedral from the shooting flames that engulfed it on Monday, according to reports. The flames are thought to have resulted from recent renovations to the cathedral, which is over 800 years old.

With the blaze now snuffed out, French investigators are starting an investigation into how the fire began — and are prioritizing the notion that it was an accident.

“The lack of real upkeep and daily attention to such a major building is the cause of this catastrophe,” Jean-Michel Leniaud, president of the scientific council at the national Heritage Institute, told AFP. “This is not about looking for people to blame. The responsibility is collective because this is the most loved monument in the country.”

The fire took down the cathedral’s roof and spire.

While there were fears the entire building would be destroyed, fire chiefs announced they had managed to save the main stone structure.

Check out some of the tweets, images and messages below:

This piece originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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