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

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
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off

Ireland’s Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops have appealed for an “urgent” initiative to resolve the Drumcree parade dispute and asked Christians to pray for peace. 

Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin
Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin

Former Church of England priest Chris Brain has been convicted of rape and four counts of indecent assault following a retrial. 

Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.