How World Leaders and Politicians Reacted to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire

by

Jenny Hughes

April 15, 2019

On Monday, April 15, a major fire severely damaged the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

The fire broke out in the upper part of the cathedral around 6:50 p.m. Paris time. It started in the attic of the building before spreading to the entire structure. The spire and two-third of the roof collapsed. Built in the 12th and 13th century, Notre-Dame de Paris is the most visited monument in Europe.

Everyone from Donald Trump to the Met Museum in New York reacted.

Cette cathédrale Notre-Dame, nous la rebâtirons. Tous ensemble. C’est une part de notre destin français. Je m’y engage : dès demain une souscription nationale sera lancée, et bien au-delà de nos frontières.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019

Translation: Notre-Dame Cathedral, we will rebuild it. Together. It’s a part of our French destiny. I’ll be involved: starting tomorrow, a sign-up will be launched nationally and beyond our borders.

Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDame
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 16, 2019

So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

God bless the people of France!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

"The Holy See has seen with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of #NotreDame, symbol of Christianity in France and in the world." @AGisotti pic.twitter.com/cRjUxkxRwa
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 15, 2019

"My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time": Queen Elizabeth says she has been "deeply saddened" to see images of Notre Dame cathedral fire. https://t.co/Snugv9uBrV pic.twitter.com/hoVC0jG49i
— ABC News (@ABC) April 16, 2019

Horrifié par les images de l'incendie qui dévaste la cathédrale Notre-Dame - un joyau unique du patrimoine mondial qui règne sur Paris depuis le 14ème siècle. Mes pensées vont au peuple et au gouvernement français.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 15, 2019

Translation: Horrified by the images of the fire that devastated the Notre-Dame Cathedral – a unique jewel of global heritage that has reigned over Paris since the 14th century. My thoughts go out to the people at the French government.

My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre-Dame cathedral.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 15, 2019

Heartbreaking scenes of Notre Dame cathedral in flames.

London stands in sorrow with Paris today, and in friendship always. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/jc6z0Oc2P3
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 15, 2019

Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can. pic.twitter.com/SpMEvv1BzB
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2019

My heart goes out to Paris. Notre Dame is a symbol of our ability as human beings to unite for a higher purpose—to build breathtaking spaces for worship that no one person could have built on their own. I wish France strength and shared purpose as they grieve and rebuild.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 15, 2019

The fire which has struck Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a tragedy for World Heritage.
The Louvre expresses its deepest admiration and solidarity with those who are currently battling the flames.#NotreDame
— Musée du Louvre (@MuseeLouvre) April 15, 2019

The Met and the collective cultural community are watching in shock and horror at the fire engulfing Notre-Dame Cathedral. We are sending all of our support and strength to the people of Paris — and stand ready to provide any and all resources we can.
— The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) April 15, 2019

Notre Dame is an iconic symbol of faith to people all over the world – and it is heartbreaking to see a house of God in flames. Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters on the scene and all the people of Paris. https://t.co/5Pecbf02em
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) April 15, 2019

My heart breaks for the people of Paris after seeing the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Praying for everyone’s safety.
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) April 15, 2019

Instagram will load in the frontend.

I just went next door to our own beloved Cathedral, Saint Patrick’s, to ask the intercession of Notre Dame, our Lady, for the Cathedral at the heart of Paris, and of civilization, now in flames! God preserve this splendid house of prayer, and protect those battling the blaze.
— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) April 15, 2019

Heartbreaking to see such tragic footage of Notre Dame right now. Sending solidarity to my friend Mayor @Anne_Hidalgo and to the people of a city as resilient as our own. New York City is mourning with Paris.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 15, 2019

New York aches. Our prayers are with the people of France and the first responders. #NotreDame
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 15, 2019

Beautiful video. Heidi’s and my prayers, and those of the world, are with the people of France. #NotreDameCathedral https://t.co/e4yNA6I779
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 15, 2019

I still remember the beauty of an Easter Mass I attended at Notre Dame cathedral some twenty years ago. Dreadful to see such destruction at one of the world’s most wondrous places.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) April 15, 2019

This article will be updated with more reactions.