Macron warns against building in haste
Admin l Wednesday, April 17, 2019
PARIS, France – Rector of the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France , Msgr. Patrick Chauvet has listed items so far salvaged from the 12 hours inferno that ravaged the structure built about 850 years ago.
According to him, what is left of the Gothic masterpiece remains the the outer wall, twin bell towers, its famour pipe organ dating back to the 1730s and the Crown of Thorns. “Crown of Thorns – which tradition holds was worn by Jesus during his Passion – and the tunic believed to have been worn by St. Louis, the 13th century king of France, were rescued from the flames”, he said.
The fire which started Monday evening according to French authorities started at base of the cathedral before spreading through the wooden roof, setting the whole structure ablaze. The Notre Dame Cathedral was under renovation when the fire started.
Hundreds of fire fighters from France battled spiritedly to put out the fire but their efforts were to no avail. Investigators are currently examining all electrical components in the building to see if electrical fault was responsible for the inferno.
However, the police has ruled out arson. Public prosecutor, Remmy Heitz told reporters that there has been nothing to suggest it was an act of sabortage.
Pope Francis has however commisirated with the people of Paris for the tragic loss of the Notre Dame Cathedral promising to take part in the rebuilding effort even as donations continue to pour in. As at Tuesday night, not less than 700 million Euros have been pledged as donation to rebuild the cathedral.
Among the donors are two French billionaires who pledged a total of €200 million, while Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the city will donate €50 million Euros, while the government of the greater Paris region promised €10 million. The Hungarian city of Szeged also promised to donate €10,000 towards rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral.
Speaking on the development, French President, Emmanuel Macron said the ancient structure will be rebuilt and that it will be much better that the original building. “We will rebuild the cathedral even more beautifully and I want it to be finished within five years, and we can do it ” Macron said in a televised address and warned against building the cathedral in haste. So far engineers and architects are on site assessing the damage and making the building safe.
