By María J. Moriarty
Seattle, Wash., Dec 3, 2024 / 09:05 am
Exciting news! U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has just revealed his plans to travel to Paris this Saturday to attend the grand reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. This will be his first foreign visit since winning the presidential election in November.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to share the news, expressing his honor and enthusiasm for the event. He praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his efforts in restoring Notre Dame to its former glory, calling it a “very special day for all!”
The reopening ceremony will be heavily guarded, with thousands of police officers and gendarmes set to ensure the safety of the 50 heads of state and government officials expected to attend. Pope Francis, however, has declined the invitation.
Access to the Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame is situated, will be restricted to invited guests and island residents, while spectators will line the Seine’s southern bank to witness the historic event.
The reopening service, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, will feature prayers, hymns, and the participation of Macron, donors, and clergy members.
Furthermore, in a show of solidarity, Catholic churches across the United States will ring their bells at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 7, as a symbol of unity and support for the Notre Dame Cathedral.
