Rome Newsroom, Jul 18, 2020 / 03:36 am
A fire being investigated as arson at a historic cathedral in western France Saturday morning has been contained, according to the local fire chief, though not before the Gothic church's great organ and rose window sustained severe damage.
Fire Chief Laurent Ferlay told French television BFM July 18 the damage to the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes "is concentrated on the organ, which seems to be completely destroyed. Its platform is very unstable and could collapse."
Firefighters were called to the cathedral, which dates from the 15th century, at 7:44 a.m., according to BFM TV.
The Diocese of Nantes said there was also significant damage to the cathedral's 16th century rose window and to the choir organ, French Catholic television station KTOTV reports.