Numerous statesmen and dignitaries attend the reopening of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

(Patria) - Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened its doors this evening, five years after a fire that largely destroyed it.

The opening ceremony began with a symbolic gesture by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, who knocked three times on the cathedral doors, after which he uttered the words: "Notre-Dame, open your doors."

After the bells of the iconic cathedral rang out once more, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the gathering.

- Tonight, the bells of Notre-Dame ring again, and the organ will soon awaken. The famous music of hope will resonate through Paris and the world - Macron said.

Macron delivered an emotional speech at the reopening ceremony, expressing deep gratitude and paying tribute to the brave firefighters and dedicated workers who gave their all to preserve and restore this Gothic masterpiece.

- Tonight, Notre-Dame comes back to life. With it, we celebrate the courage, dedication, and ingenuity of all those men and women who saved it and rebuilt it - Macron stated, recalling the magnitude of human solidarity and expertise that made it possible to save this symbol of French history.

Macron recalled April 15, 2019, when the fire engulfed the cathedral, noting that that evening "everyone feared they would never hear the bells of Notre-Dame again."

- Fear gripped us as the flames threatened to engulf the north tower. However, the courage of the firefighters prevented the collapse of sixteen bells, saving what seemed lost - Macron said.

He emphasized that Notre-Dame is not just a monument, but also "a place of the soul and gathering," belonging to Paris, France, and the entire world. He underscored the significance of "extraordinary solidarity" that made it possible to overcome this exceptional challenge, highlighting the importance of both national and international aid.

- This is the fruit of a global brotherhood that unites people of all faiths, nationalities, and social backgrounds - he added.

Macron concluded his speech by emphasizing the powerful message that Notre-Dame sends to the world.

- It reminds us that even our bravest dreams can only be realized with the will and dedication of all - he said.

Among the dignitaries at this festive event were many distinguished guests, including U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prince William, U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as former French Presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, and numerous guests from Europe.

The ceremony was also attended by numerous representatives of religious institutions, as well as 2,000 workers who participated in the cathedral's restoration.

The restoration of the Paris cathedral cost around 700 million euros.