Notre-Dame to reopen in a year's time, says Macron

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Notre-Dame, the Paris cathedral devastated by fire on 15 April 2019, will reopen a year from now, says the French President. 

Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the cathedral on Friday to see the progress of reconstruction work. 

Last month, an important step in the restoration of the landmark was taken when the spire was added. 

Macron was shown the new oak spire during his visit to the cathedral last week, where he was accompanied by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

When the cathedral was ravaged by fire, Macron had promised that it would be rebuilt within five years. 

Then in August this year, Macron announced that the cathedral would reopen on December 8, 2024.

The new spire measures 96 metres and has been built in an identical style to the 19th century one that crashed through the roof during the 2019 blaze. 

Standing with restoration workers on the scaffolding, Macron called the addition of the new spire "an important and emotional moment".

"Deadlines will be met. It is a formidable image of hope and of a France that has rebuilt itself," he said. 

News
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.