This weekend marks the reopening of Notre-Dame in Paris, featuring religious ceremonies and performances. However, due to predicted severe weather, all events have been swiftly revised.
President Macron will welcome around forty leaders, including future U.S. President Donald Trump, at 6:15 PM. The cathedral’s doors will be symbolically opened by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.
Due to the storm, all festivities, including Macron’s speech and outdoor performances, will now take place inside the cathedral. Recorded performances will be shown on screens.
The interior schedule, including the playing of the grand organ and blessings, remains unchanged. A morning mass with 170 French bishops and a public evening mass are planned for tomorrow.
Starting Monday, the Notre-Dame will host two daily masses, allowing visitors to explore the restored cathedral. The building suffered severe damage from a fire over five years ago, and its restoration, funded by donations, is mostly complete.
President Macron expressed pride in the restoration’s completion despite skepticism. However, art historian Bruno Phalip criticized the rushed efforts, claiming some restoration methods neglected proper procedures.
Security is high for the reopening, with road closures and 6,000 police officers deployed.
Source: NOS