The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, symbolically knocked three times on the cathedral doors before entering and thereby declared Notre Dame open.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed in his speech "the French nation's gratitude" for the restoration of Notre Dame and said that after the devastating fire "we have rediscovered what great nations can do, achieve the impossible".
We must appreciate this lesson of fragility, humility, and will. And never forget how much every person counts and how the greatness of this cathedral is inseparable from everyone's work.
In connection with the opening, the Paris rescue service – dressed in their uniforms – was thanked with standing ovations as a recognition of their efforts to save the landmark during the devastating fire that destroyed the cathedral in April 2019.
The over two-hour-long ceremony will be followed on Sunday by the first morning mass after the reconstruction. 170 French bishops and over 100 priests from Paris will then attend. In the evening, it will be followed by an evening mass open to the public.
