In a shocking incident, Paris’ iconic heritage structure Notre Dame was engulfed by a ravaging fire yesterday. The catastrophic event left people across the globe shocked and heartbroken, as they saw the priceless monument of history succumb to flames.
#WATCH The historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a fire broke out at the cathedral yesterday that led to the collapse of its iconic spire and also damaged its roof. #Paris #NotreDame #France pic.twitter.com/It71wVtOzV
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019
Even as firefighters worked tirelessly to save the monument, world leaders and celebrities expressed grief at the shocking incident.
Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can. pic.twitter.com/SpMEvv1BzB
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2019
L’incendie de Notre Dame est une catastrophe pour la France et pour l’Europe. Les flammes ravagent 850 ans d’histoire, d’architrecture, de peinture et de sculpture. Cela va être difficile à oublier. La France peut compter sur nous pour récuperer la grandeur de son patrimoine.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 15, 2019
My heart goes out to Paris. Notre Dame is a symbol of our ability as human beings to unite for a higher purpose—to build breathtaking spaces for worship that no one person could have built on their own. I wish France strength and shared purpose as they grieve and rebuild.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 15, 2019
The majesty of Notre Dame—the history, artistry, and spirituality—took our breath away, lifting us to a higher understanding of who we are and who we can be. Being here in Paris tonight, my heart aches with the people of France. Yet I know that Notre Dame will soon awe us again. https://t.co/p1mIDMbwe1
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 15, 2019
Tonight we pray for the firefighters tackling the tragic #NotreDame fire – and for everyone in France and beyond who watches and weeps for this beautiful, sacred place where millions have met with Jesus Christ. Nous sommes avec vous.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) April 15, 2019
#NotreDame est notre patrimoine commun, c’est une blessure de la voir ainsi ravagée par les flammes. Hommage aux pompiers qui œuvrent pour éteindre l’incendie. https://t.co/56F46TEZwo
— François Hollande (@fhollande) April 15, 2019
Horrified by the pictures coming from Paris with the fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral – a unique example of world heritage that has stood tall since the 14th century. My thoughts are with the people and government of France. https://t.co/KnLegnlRFH
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 15, 2019
So sad to see the images of the burning #NotreDameDeParis. I hope that the Paris fire brigade will get the fire under control as soon as possible. My thoughts are with the people of France as a masterpiece of European gothic is at risk of being destroyed.
— Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) April 15, 2019
Interrupting my birthday to express how much pain I’m in watching the Notre Dame fire unfold. Such an incredible building. I’m so sad
— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) April 15, 2019
What a devastating occurrence today. 😥 #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/XKeIbY1Fgh
— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) April 15, 2019
Devastation &💔…French are strong,& 🇺🇸 & The 🌎Will Never Forget Those with The Spirit Of
— Cher (@cher) April 15, 2019
La Marseillaise
my heart is breaking seeing the fire at notre dame. I’ll never forget walking in the first time in Paris and being in awe of the beauty of it. 💔
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) April 15, 2019
I cannot believe what’s happening to Notre Dame.
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) April 15, 2019
I’m heartbroken for Paris, for France, for us all, everywhere. My life is better for having seen its splendor. #notredame
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) April 15, 2019
”The structure of Notre Dame is saved and preserved in its totality” – Jean-Claude Gallet, head of the Paris fire-service.
— Tom Holland (@holland_tom) April 16, 2019
The heroism of the fire-fighters seems to have been a wondrous thing. #NotreDame
Many French citizens came out on the streets, shocked and heartbroken in equal measures. However, the French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the worst has been avoided and he vowed to rebuild the structure.
This is an irreplaceable loss to not just French history, but to the world history.