Vatican City, Apr 16, 2019 / 04:28 am
Pope Francis Tuesday expressed his unity with the people of France following a major blaze at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, encouraging the rebuilding of the "architectural jewel" and "witness of the faith."
"Following the fire that devastated a large part of Notre-Dame Cathedral, I join you in your sadness, as well as that of the faithful of your diocese, the inhabitants of Paris and all the other French," the pope said April 16.
In a message to Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris, he wrote: "Notre-Dame is the architectural jewel of a collective memory, the gathering place for many major events, the witness of the faith and prayer of the Catholics in the city."
"On these Holy Days when we remember the passion of Jesus, his death and his resurrection, I assure you of my spiritual closeness and my prayer," he said, extending his apostolic blessing on the French bishops, Catholics, and all the inhabitants of Paris and France.