French President promises to rebuild fire-ravaged Notre Dame in 5 years

World Today

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte walk outside the Notre Dame Cathedral where a fire continues to burn in Paris on April 16, 2019. – A huge fire swept through the roof of the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019, sending flames and huge clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky. The flames and smoke plumed from the spire and roof of the gothic cathedral, visited by millions of people a year. A spokesman for the cathedral told AFP that the wooden structure supporting the roof was being gutted by the blaze. (Photo by PHILIPPE WOJAZER / POOL / AFP)

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is in recovery mode after a devastating fire.

Parisians and visitors came together near the church for a candlelight vigil.

The investigation into the cause is underway, as well efforts to salvage the rare and ancient artifacts.

French president Emmanuel Maron is promising to rebuild – and do it quickly. CGTN’s Stefan de Vries reports from Paris.

Parisians woke up with the horrific images of the ruins of its majestic cathedral, in the heart of the city.

“I want to cry. I’m devastated,” said one woman.

“Seeing it gone up in flames is very touching,” said another.

But, the day that ended with a lot of sadness, ended with a glimmer of hope.

After the first inspection, it seems that large parts of the cathedral’s structure have survived the flames. It is likely that the centuries-old church can be rebuilt. But that will be a costly affair

President Macron announced a national and even an international crowdfunding action. But only 24 hours after the fire started, the fund already contained over 700 million euros.

On Tuesday night, in a televised speech to the nation, the French President was adamant about Notre Dame’s future.

“Let’s rebuild the cathedral even more beautiful than before. And I want this work to be accomplished within five years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.

But that may be too ambitious.

It took the flames just a couple of hours to destroy a large part of the cathedral. But it will take probably many decades to restore the Notre Dame to its full glory.


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