The Notre Dame reopened on December 7th, over five years after two-thirds of the 19th century cathedral’s roof was destroyed in a fire. 

The grand reopening featured around 50 world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Jill Biden, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Prince William, along with upwards of 2,500 guests attending the celebration. 

The ceremony was sentimental to many Parisians with those 2,500 guests pouring into the cathedral’s pews to witness the first mass since the fire. Staring up at the historic stained glass windows and beautiful architecture, the guests listened to the words of Monsignor Olivier Ribadeau Dumas.

“Five years after its destruction, here it stands again, ready to welcome the prayers of the faithful, to welcome the heart, the cry of the heart of all those who come here from all over the world,” Ribadeau Dumas started, “Fire has not conquered stone, despair has not conquered life.”

The rebuilding cost was hefty with almost $1 billion donated to the cause. Over 2,000 workers and 250 companies were dedicated to restoring the famous landmark of Paris. 

The music of the Great Organ of the Notre Dame was resurrected for the mass, reverberating through the chapel with its 8,000 pipes.

“Wake up, organ, sacred instrument,” Archbishop Laurent Ulrich said before the instrument was played. 

Firefighters who saved the Notre Dame in the fire were invited back for the ceremony, receiving thanks from citizens in addition to the French President, Macron. 

“Notre Dame of Paris was saved. Disfigured but saved,” Macron spoke, “I stand before you … to express the gratitude of the French nation.”