advertisement
The world reacted with shock and horror to the massive fire that engulfed Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral on Monday, 15 April. As the flames tore through the twelfth-century cathedral, prayers poured in on Twitter.
Spain’s prime minister offered to help France in the structure’s recovery. The fire is a “catastrophe for France, for Spain and for Europe,” Pedro Sánchez tweeted, adding that the flames are destroying “850 years of history, architecture, painting and sculpture.”
US President Donald Trump, speaking in Minnesota, spoke of the “terrible, terrible fire” that devastated “one of the great treasures of the world.”
Trump added, “It’s a part of our growing up, it’s a part of our culture, it’s a part of our lives.”
Former US President Barack Obama posted an old photo of himself, his wife, and their two daughters lighting candles in the Notre Dame cathedral.
The Vatican said that Pope Francis “has seen with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame, symbol of Christianity in France and in the world.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, prayed at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan for intercession. “God preserve this splendid house of prayer, and protect those battling the blaze,” Dolan said in a statement.
Jeff Ament, bass player for Pearl Jam, remembered spending hours at the cathedral during his first visit, in 1991. “Thinking about Paris,” Ament tweeted, along with old photos of the cathedral.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted that he is “horrified,” calling the cathedral “a unique example of world heritage.”
In Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church’s secretary for inter-Christian relations Hieromonk Stefan called the fire “a tragedy for the entire Christian world and for all who appreciate the cultural significance of this temple,” the state news agency RIA-Novosti reported.
The Notre Dame Cathedral, situated on an island in the Seine River in the heart of Paris, is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, drawing some 13 million people each year.
The fire’s emotional impact was widely felt as world leaders, celebrities, and netizens tweeted their thoughts and prayers.
A picture of the cross, which is reportedly still standing inside the Notre Dame cathedral, also went viral on social media.
(With inputs from AP)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)