King Mohammed VI represented at Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening ceremony by Prince Moulay Rachid

King Mohammed VI was represented by Prince Moulay Rachid at the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral, held in Paris on Saturday.

Upon his arrival at the cathedral’s forecourt, Prince Moulay Rachid was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse Brigitte Macron.

Following the ceremonial opening of the cathedral doors by the Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich, guests were invited to watch a film on the cathedral’s construction site, a tribute to the builders and rescuers of Notre-Dame, complemented by a parade of 160 firefighters and craftsmen, and a music performance by violinists Renaud and Gauthier Capuçon.

French President Emmanuel Macron then delivered a speech in which he expressed “the gratitude of the French nation to all those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre-Dame of Paris, and to all those present” at the ceremony.

The ceremony was also marked by an address by Pope Francis, read out on his behalf by the Apostolic Nuncio, in which he paid tribute to the “remarkable work” of the many tradesmen, as well as to the courage of the firefighters who saved the cathedral.

Pope Francis praised “the great outpouring of international generosity” which made the restoration of this religious monument possible.

The Archbishop of Paris then led the liturgical rite for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The ceremony was attended by some 40 heads of State and government, including US President-elect Donald Trump and leading international figures.

Later in the evening, Prince Moulay Rachid took part in the dinner banquet offered by the French Presidential couple in honor of the heads of State and government and chiefs of international organizations having attended the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame cathedral.

The cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art whose construction was completed in 1345, was partly destroyed by a devastating blaze in April 2019. its reconstruction and restoration lasted five years, mobilizing hundreds of craftsmen.

The cathedral will reopen to the public on Sunday Dec. 8, 2024.