Currents News Staff
Nine hours after it started, the fire that engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is finally out.
The world watched in horror as one of the most recognized buildings on the planet, and one of the most important to the Catholic faith, burned for hours on end – flames shooting into the sky and smoke billowing over the city.
“Everybody crying. It’s very sad because it’s a symbol of Paris and symbol of France. A symbol of freedom, a symbol of fraternity,โ said Arash Derambarsh, the City Councillor of Courbevoie, France.
Gasps could be heard from onlookers as its iconic spire toppled.
One witness said, “it was so horrific. we heard the tower fall and it was the worst sound and people screamed. It’s so sad. Everyone’s so sad.”
Around 400 firefighters battled the blaze at the more than 800-year-old church. While the spire and the oak wood roof were destroyed, the two bell towers and the front facade were saved.
Also saved were some of the most precious religious artifacts, including the holy crown that many believe is from the crown of thorns Jesus Christ wore at his crucifixion.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed that they would rebuild Notre Dame, and will be launching an international fundraiser.
That message of hope is what rang out louder than the flames.
“This goes beyond Paris. People are reacting worldwide. And the young people behind me show the power faith, the power of a message of peace,โ Michel Christian Alain Aupetit, the Archbishop of Paris.