Macron expresses France's gratitude during Notre Dame's grand reopening
At the inauguration ceremony marking the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after a devastating fire, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the nation's gratitude. "I stand before you before the liturgy begins to express the gratitude of the French nation," Macron said.
He thanked those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre-Dame de Paris, and acknowledged the presence of attendees as the cathedral was returned to Catholics in Paris, France, and the world.
Among the attendees were U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who were invited by Macron to the Élysée Palace for talks ahead of the ceremony.
SHOTLIST
SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President: "I stand before you before the liturgy begins to express the gratitude of the French nation.
[00:18.0 - 00:44.4] Gratitude to all those who have saved, helped and rebuilt Notre-Dame de Paris.Gratitude to all those who are present as we prepare to return it, to Catholics in Paris, to France and to the whole world.
[00:46.8 - 01:02.5] On April 15, 2019, news of the fire spread from lips to lips, images of flames devouring the transept, black smoke, the spire that wobbles and then collapses with a crash of bones.
And those hours of fighting in front of the fire.
[01:09.5 - 01:13.7] Around 00:00, we opened the large gate.
The spire was no more.
[01:17.9 - 01:19.8] The collapsed transept.
Lead continued to flow everywhere in flames. Water. A pungent smell. The cross and the pietà which appeared in a singular brilliance.
And the Virgin with the intact, immaculate pillar, just a few centimetres from the fallen spire. Notre-Dame de Paris was saved. The bells of Notre-Dame are ringing again, which have marked the hours of the day and those of history.
[02:06.6 - 02:18.8] This cathedral was thus the happy metaphor of what a nation is and what the world should be tonight. Together, we can share joy and pride. Monseigneur Notre-Dame de Paris is given back to you.
[02:37.0 - 02:38.8] Long live Notre-Dame de Paris! Long live the Republic! Long live France! It is a day of celebration in the evening, in the heart of God."