On Monday, December 2, U.S. President-elect Trump (Trump) announced that he will travel to France on Saturday to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This will be Trump’s first overseas visit since the election on November 5.
Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, saying, “I am honored to announce that I will be going to Paris, France this Saturday to participate in the grand and historic reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been completely restored after a devastating fire five years ago.”
Notre Dame Cathedral is a famous landmark in France, a 900-year-old Gothic architecture. In 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a fire, causing serious damage to the roof and spire. After five and a half years of restoration, the cathedral reopened to the public this week.
This Gothic masterpiece is also one of the most beloved and visited historical sites in Paris.
After extensive reconstruction, the cathedral’s spire, rib vaults, flying buttresses, stained glass windows, and gargoyles have been restored to their former glory.
In his post, Trump also praised French President Macron for his efforts in restoring the cathedral. “Emmanuel Macron has done an excellent job ensuring that Notre Dame Cathedral is restored to its former glory, even more magnificent than ever. It will be a very special day for everyone!” Trump wrote.
Sources told CNN that the Trump team has been in discussions with Macron’s office for several days about the visit, and Trump has been invited by the French government to attend the reopening ceremony.
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez told the Associated Press that the reopening ceremony this weekend is expected to invite about 50 heads of state and government leaders.
France plans to hold the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral on the evening of December 7, with Macron delivering a speech in the forecourt of the cathedral. The following day, the opening Mass will mark its return to public life.
During the first week of reopening, Notre Dame Cathedral will be open until 10 pm, and visitors will need to present free tickets for entry. Worship activities will fully resume on December 16.