Paris, France, Apr 15, 2019 / 13:23 pm
Both the Holy See and the Archbishop of Paris have encouraged prayer while firefighters in the French capital battle a blaze on the roof of Notre-Dame de Paris.
"To all the priests of Paris: The firefighters are still fighting to save the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris. The frame, the roof, and the spire are consumed. Let us pray. If you wish, you may ring the bells of your churches as an invitation to prayer," Archbishop Michel Aupetit Tweeted April 15.
The Holy See press office stated that it has received the news of the fire "with shock and sadness," calling Notre-Dame de Paris "a symbol of Christianity in France and in the world."
"We express closeness to the Catholics of France and to the population of Paris and assure them of our prayers for the firemen and those doing everything possible in the face of this dramatic situation."