Paris: Huge fire devastates Notre Dame Cathedral

A huge fire broke out at the medieval Notre Dame Cathedral in the centre of Paris at about 6.50pm local time on Monday evening. Firefighters have now brought the blaze under control - but the building is still on fire tonight as we update ICN.

While the spire has collapsed, Notre Dame's main structure has been "saved and preserved", A Paris fire official told BFMTV.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said: " The shock at the outbreak of this fire is spreading round the world. It is an iconic building visited by millions but more importantly is a symbol of faith which is at the heart of Europe. We therefore all pray that the fire is extinguished quickly and with a shared effort the building made good."

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the US bishops' conference said in a statement: "This particular cathedral is not only a majestic Church, it is also a world treasure. Noble in architecture and art, it has long been a symbol of the transcendent human spirit as well as our longing for God," DiNardo said.

"Our hearts go out to the archbishop and the people of Paris, and we pray for all the people of France, entrusting all to the prayers and intercession of the Mother of God, especially the firefighters battling the fire."

The Church of England's director of cathedrals and church buildings, Becky Clark, said: "The fire and the destruction it has caused are heart-breaking. We stand together in prayer with all who love Notre Dame: its worshipping community, those who have visited, and those who only know it from afar. We understand their sense of loss, and the uplifting connection people feel with cathedrals and churches the world over. But no matter the destruction, the spirit of what it means to be a cathedral can and does survive such catastrophes."

"In England, the spire at Lincoln collapsed in the 1500s, St Paul's was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and Coventry was destroyed by bombs. All have been rebuilt, sometimes taking on new forms, to stand as reminders of eternity and resurrection which are the foundation of the Christian faith.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: "Tonight we pray for the firefighters tackling the tragic Notre Dame fire - and for everyone in France and beyond who watches and weeps for this beautiful, sacred place where millions have met with Jesus Chris. Nous sommes avec vous."

A Vatican spokesman said: "The terrible news of the fire that has devastated the cathedral of Notre Dame, symbol of Christianity in France and in the world, was received in the Holy See with shock and sadness," a spokesman said in a statement. We express our closeness with French Catholics and with the Parisian population. We pray for the firefighters and for all those who are trying their best to tackle this dramatic situation."

Margot Fassler, a professor of theology and an expert on Medieval cathedrals who has led tours of the Notre Dame Cathedral, said: "The Cathedral 'Notre Dame de Paris' is the cradle of late medieval music. Much of the imagination of those involved in European, religion, culture and music is tied to this place.

Late 12th and early 13th century polyphonic repertory created at Notre Dame has provided an understanding of how musicians learned to capture rhythm in their notational systems. The innovative musicians Adam of St Victor, Leonin, and Perotin were all connected to the cathedral in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Although the building has been constantly reshaped over time, much of the architecture and sculpture dates back to the original building, which was completed in around a century beginning in the 1160s. The thirteenth-century rose windows and the organs are assumed to be among the casualties."

Ben Derbyshire, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: "The news of the tragedy this evening is of immeasurable significance worldwide. The loss of the roof and spire of Notre Dame, and possibly the stone vault too, is an irreplaceable blow to the heritage of French Gothic architecture. Our heart goes out to the people of France, and to lovers of our shared cultural heritage wherever they are."

The Rector of Notre-Dame, Patrick Jacquin, has told local media that the Crown of Thorns and the Tunic of St Louis have both been recovered. However, fears remain for the many priceless artworks and artefacts still housed inside the cathedral.

World leaders and politicians have expressed their solidarity with France.

The president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker said in a press release: "I am following minute by minute the fire of which Notre-Dame de Paris is the prey... Our Lady of Paris belongs to the whole of mankind. It has inspired so many writers, so many painters, so many philosophers, so many visitors from all over.

"What a sad spectacle. What a horror. I share the emotion of the French nation which is also ours."

German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said on Twitter: "It is with profound sadness that I am witnessing the events in Paris. I am saddened to see these terrible images of Notre Dame, symbol of France and of our European culture, in flames. Our thoughts go to our French friends."

Labour MP Yvette Cooper said she was in Paris and saw the spire of Notre Dame fall. "Have just come away from the bank of the Seine after the spire fell as I can't bear to watch any more," she tweeted. "Fearful for anyone close to the flames, and aghast that centuries of history and beauty could disappear into smoke so fast."
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As Holy Week has just begun, many services were due to take place in Notre Dame.

To read more about the cathedral visit: www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/