"We will rebuild it together": France's President Emmanuel Macron makes a Notre Dame vow after devastating blaze, world leaders express support

A massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, destroying the roof of the 850-year old church. The fire in the iconic structure, a survivor of wars and revolutions, was fueled by a ‘forest’ of wooden latticework that brought down the famous spire and soon consumed the centuries-old wooden roof beams, stone exterior and soaring Gothic architecture of the Cathedral. The framework of the intricately carved roof dated back to the 13th century. Two-thirds of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark's roofing has been ravaged in the tragic incident. However, the structure of the building including the two bell towers and the main edifice was saved. At the time that the cathedral’s roof was in flames, France's President Emmanuel Macron took to Twitter, expressing his sadness for Paris’ beloved monument. Notre-Dame is aflame. Great emotion for the whole nation. Our thoughts go out to all Catholics and to the French people. Like all of my fellow citizens, I am sad to see this part of us burn tonight. https://t.co/27CrJgJkJb — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019 Speaking from the scene, Macron described the fire as a "terrible tragedy," but added the "worst had been avoided." He cautioned the people of Paris saying that “the battle is not yet totally won.” LIVE | Déclaration depuis le parvis de #NotreDame.https://t.co/Bs2p4cpftB — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019 The President then moved on to praise the courage and professionalism of the firefighters, promising Parisians that they will "rebuild this cathedral together." He also announced an international fundraising campaign to raise money for the repairs. Cette cathédrale Notre-Dame, nous la rebâtirons. Tous ensemble. C’est une part de notre destin français. Je m’y engage : dès demain une souscription nationale sera lancée, et bien au-delà de nos frontières. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019 (This Notre-Dame cathedral, we will rebuild it. All together. It's part of our French destiny. I commit myself: tomorrow a national subscription will be launched, and well beyond our borders.) READ | Iconic Notre Dame Cathedral In Paris Hit By Devastating Fire As Paris mourned, expressions of support and commiseration have poured in from leaders around the world. Here’s what they had to say: Former US President Barack Obama- Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can. pic.twitter.com/SpMEvv1BzB — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2019 UK Prime Minister Theresa May- My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre-Dame cathedral. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 15, 2019 British Ambassador to France Ed Llewellyn- Wounded. Beautiful. Defiant. Notre Dame this morning pic.twitter.com/5QEO91MStb — Ed Llewellyn (@EdLlewellynFCO) April 16, 2019 He also tweeted in French that reads- (Standing. And always beautiful. Notre Dame de Paris this morning. Tribute to the firefighters who worked all night, and who are still working) Debout. Et toujours belle. Notre-Dame de Paris ce matin. Hommage aux pompiers qui ont travaillé toute la nuit, et qui travaillent toujours pic.twitter.com/TYZxuuB2i8 — Ed Llewellyn (@EdLlewellynFCO) April 16, 2019 American politician and former First Lady Hillary Clinton- My heart goes out to Paris. Notre Dame is a symbol of our ability as human beings to unite for a higher purpose—to build breathtaking spaces for worship that no one person could have built on their own. I wish France strength and shared purpose as they grieve and rebuild. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 15, 2019 French lawyer and politician Christopher Castaner- (Support and solidarity with the @PompiersParis mobilized to save our common heritage, in the heart of Paris. An exceptional device was deployed by the @prefpolice to neutralize this violent fire. I share the immense emotion of the Parisians. The French. #Our Lady) Soutien et solidarité avec les @PompiersParis mobilisés pour sauver notre patrimoine commun, au cœur de Paris. Un dispositif exceptionnel a été déployé par la @prefpolice pour neutraliser ce violent incendie. Je partage l’immense émotion des parisiens. Des Français.#NotreDame — Christophe Castaner (@CCastaner) April 15, 2019 Kelli Ward, Chair of the Arizona Republican Party- Just devastating to see the Notre Dame Cathedral burning. Absolutely devastating. The monument’s history, art, and iconic architecture is irreplaceable. The people of Paris, France, and Catholics around the world are in our prayers. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/u8qutd3AkR — Dr. Kelli Ward (@kelliwardaz) April 15, 2019 President of the European Council Donald Tusk- I’d like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdańsk, 90% destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral! From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.#NotreDame — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) April 16, 2019 Member of Parliament for Glasgow North Carol Monaghan- Huge sense of relief this morning as pictures emerge of #NotreDame still standing. There is no doubt that the damage is immense but this can be rebuilt. pic.twitter.com/EmQMIZJKtK — Carol Monaghan MP 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@CMonaghanSNP) April 16, 2019 Chief Minister of Punjab- Devastated to see visuals of the blaze at the historic #NotreDame. Praying for strength to France to cope with the tragedy and to rebuild the iconic monument of architectural excellence. pic.twitter.com/o3dcBUGT1G — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 16, 2019 Built in the 13th century, the medieval structure is considered a feat of architecture as much as a religious symbol. It is one of Paris' most popular attractions, drawing an estimated 13 million visitors a year.

Advertisement

"We will rebuild it together": France's President Emmanuel Macron makes a Notre Dame vow after devastating blaze, world leaders express support

A massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, destroying the roof of the 850-year old church.

Advertisement