The world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened its doors after five years of extensive restoration following the devastating fire in April 2019. The reopening ceremony, hailed as "a jolt of hope" by French President Emmanuel Macron, drew an audience of 1,500 distinguished guests, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, First Lady Jill Biden, and Britain’s Prince William.

The ceremony began at 7 p.m. local time, marked by the resounding chimes of the cathedral's bells, which were met with cheers from the crowds gathered outside. Thousands of Parisians lined the banks of the Seine River to witness the event on large screens set up around the 800-year-old monument.

Inside, Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich declared, "Open your doors," before leading the procession into the newly restored cathedral. The opening moments of the event featured hymns and musical performances, highlighted by an emotional standing ovation for the Paris firefighters who bravely battled the 2019 blaze.

Musical performances by renowned artists, including pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende, filled the sacred space with stirring melodies, adding to the emotional weight of the occasion.

World Leaders Meet in Paris

Ahead of the ceremony, a trilateral meeting took place at the Elysee Palace between French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders posed for a photo before discussing pressing international issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy described the meeting as "good and productive," stating that they discussed the situation on the ground and efforts toward a "just peace." Macron echoed this sentiment, calling for continued joint efforts for "peace and security." Trump, on his first international trip since winning the U.S. presidential election, emphasized the importance of global cooperation, saying, "The world is going a little crazy right now, and we'll be talking about that."

Symbol of Hope Amid Political Uncertainty

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a critical time for France, following recent political upheaval that saw opposition parliamentarians oust the government over the 2025 budget vote. President Macron likened the reopening to the spirit of the Olympic Games, hoping it would offer a "bubble of happiness" in a period of economic and political instability.

Since the 2019 fire, over €840 million ($888 million) in donations have been raised to restore the cathedral, which holds deep cultural and historical significance for France and the world.

With a blend of faith, art, and political symbolism, the reopening of Notre Dame is more than a return of a monument; it is a call for hope and unity in a world marked by division and uncertainty.