In his letter sent to the Catholic Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit and the President of France Emmanuel Macron, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his deep regret for the devastating fire that damaged the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, one of the most important landmarks for the history and spiritual identity of the French capital. Moreover, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his compassion for the Catholic faithful of Paris and France.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral was not just an ordinary church, but it is a “meeting point” of Christian faith and human genius, a symbol of the common ideals of humanity, a “voice” that sends a strong message of peace and love.
“The world is deeply hurt today, going through a particular mourning, beyond confessional and religious denominations,” the Ecumenical Patriarch said, and hoped that the historic cathedral will be restored as soon as possible.