Pope Francis has firmly decided he will not attend the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The pope made this declaration during a press conference on his return flight from Southeast Asia on September 13th.
This decision comes despite a formal invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron had hoped to welcome the pope to the event, scheduled for December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This date holds special significance for the pope, as he traditionally celebrates the Marian feast with the city of Rome in the piazza at the foot of the Spanish Steps.
However, the pope’s decision to skip the event reflects a preference for other travel destinations. He expressed a strong desire to visit the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, particularly to connect with its migrant population. The pope also mentioned a potential visit to his native Argentina, though plans for this trip remain uncertain.
A Journey Through Time: Notre Dame’s Rebuilding
The reopening of Notre Dame marks a major milestone in the cathedral’s reconstruction. This iconic structure, built over nearly two centuries, suffered devastating damage in a fire in 2019. The blaze destroyed the 315-foot-tall oak spire and the timber roof of the eight-century-old cathedral.
While the fire caused widespread destruction, religious and artistic treasures were thankfully saved. These included a relic of Christ’s crown of thorns. An investigation concluded that the fire was likely caused by an electrical malfunction.
The fire sparked debate on the reconstruction’s design. Some advocated for a modern approach, while others insisted on preserving the historical integrity of the cathedral. Ultimately, French Parliament mandated the reconstruction to “preserve the historic, artistic, and architectural interest” of the original structure. The spire, which was added during a 19th-century renovation, was rebuilt as a replica of the original.
This monumental task was overseen by Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cathedral’s restoration. They meticulously reconstructed the spire, using an oak framework covered with lead, just like the original.
A Global Journey: The Pope’s Future Travels
While the pope’s decision to skip the Notre Dame reopening is significant, his desire to visit other parts of the world remains strong. He expressed a particular interest in China, calling it “a great country.”
In addition to his future travel aspirations, the pope is scheduled to visit Belgium and Luxembourg between September 26th and 29th.
These upcoming trips underscore the pope’s commitment to global outreach and his dedication to building bridges between people and cultures. He continues to be a global figure with a profound impact on the world stage.
