Unsplash/ Sung Shin
CV NEWS FEED // President-elect Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Dec. 2 that he will attend the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, five years after it was devastated in a fire.
“It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the re-opening of the Magnificent and Historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump posted. “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!”
Barron’s reports that the opening ceremony will take place Dec. 7. Pope Francis will not attend the ceremony, but he will visit the French island of Corsica later this month.
Time Magazine explained what is involved in the ceremonies this weekend. On Dec. 7, Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will begin the ceremony by knocking on the doors of the cathedral with his staff, and he will prompt the organ to begin playing.
Internationally acclaimed musicians like cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Lang Lang, and opera singer Julie Fuchs will perform in a concert on Saturday night.
On Dec. 8, Archbishop Ulrich will preside over Mass and consecrate the new altar. Around 170 bishops from around the world will attend the Mass, as well as 106 priests from the local Paris diocese.
After Mass, there will be a meal for the needy in France.
