PARIS - Five years after being devastated by a fire, the restored Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral officially reopened on Saturday with a grand inauguration ceremony attended by world leaders, believers, and non-believers alike.

The ceremony began with a tribute film, honoring all those who played a role in the rescue and restoration of Notre-Dame. "Thank You" was projected in multiple languages on the cathedral's iconic facade.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the event, expressed France's deep gratitude to "all those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre-Dame de Paris," and to those present to witness the return of the cathedral "to Paris, to France, and to the whole world."

Macron emphasized the significance of the restoration, saying, "We have chosen the surge, the will, the course of hope," with the aim of "rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris even more beautiful in five years."

"Yes, tonight, the bells of Notre-Dame ring out again," Macron said.

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Following the catastrophic fire on April 15, 2019, France mobilized unprecedented resources to restore the cathedral, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Restoration efforts began in 2021, with the construction of an identical oak framework and the restoration of the cathedral's spire. At the top of the apse, the chevet cross, damaged during the fire, was also restored.

Notre-Dame de Paris will open to the public on Dec 8, 2024. Due to high demand from both locals and tourists, reservations are highly recommended.