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As reported by the correspondent of Ukrinform, the leaders of 40 countries took part in the honorary ceremony, including Volodymyr Zelenskyi and President-elect Donald Trump, as well as several crowned persons.
In a speech delivered at the cathedral, Emmanuel Macron honored all the saviors of Notre Dame, "We have rediscovered what great nations are capable of - to achieve the impossible," said the French president.
He emphasized that the greatness of this cathedral is inseparable from the work of everyone who contributed to its reconstruction. In total, more than 2 people were involved in these works in five years.
The firemen who saved the temple from the flames and the invited masters were greeted with thunderous applause. In their honor, a huge inscription "thank you" was illuminated on the western facade of the cathedral.
The audience greeted the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi with applause.
Pope Francis, who declined an invitation to the opening ceremony, sent a message to the faithful, asking for a "generous and free welcome" for all visitors.
About 4 spectators watched the ceremony from the embankments near the cathedral.
The first public mass since the fire will be held on Sunday morning. The Inaugural Liturgy and the consecration of the altar will be conducted by Archbishop Ulric of Paris, surrounded by more than 150 bishops from France and around the world.
Earlier, Ukrinform reported that the opening ceremony of the restored Notre Dame will be held inside the cathedral due to strong winds.
Photo: x.com/emmanuelmacron
