French President Emmanuel Macron promised to restore the fire-damaged cathedral to its glory within five years, although most experts expect it will take twice as long
While the flames ravaged much of the building, firefighters said the overall damage was not nearly as bad as they feared and many of the most cherished objects were saved.As people across France struggled with the pain of the devastation to Notre-Dame cathedral, more than $1-billion in donations has poured in from around the world to help rebuild the cultural landmark.
The fire has touched a nerve in France and deeply affected the country, which has a long Roman Catholic tradition, if not always in practice. For many people in France, Notre-Dame is a symbol of their faith, their country and 850 years of French history. The destruction of the cathedral’s towering spire, its ancient wooden roof and the statues of St. Denis and St. Genevieve are a monumental loss for France, which takes pride in its history.
The restoration will be complicated and costly. Few believe Mr. Macron’s prediction it can be done in five years, and most experts say it will likely take twice as long. Bureaucratic tie-ups and clashes with church officials are also expected. The government has owned the building since 1905, but culture ministry officials have battled with church leaders over who should pay for the soaring cost of maintenance.
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