Notre-Dame Reopening: Pope Francis to Celebrate Inaugural Mass in Paris

On December 8, a major event is planned in Paris: the inaugural mass of Notre-Dame Cathedral, recently restored after the tragic fire of April 15, 2019. This ceremony will be presided over by Pope Francis, who will travel to the French capital to mark this historic moment.

Currently in the midst of an Asian tour, the 87-year-old Holy Father has already traveled more than 32 kilometres, stopping in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore. This journey, one of the longest of his pontificate, reflects his commitment to interreligious dialogue, with particular attention paid to relations with Muslim-majority countries.

The inaugural Mass of Notre-Dame will be held on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Francis will celebrate alongside the Archbishop of Paris, Monsignor Laurent Ulrich, and many priests and bishops. Before this ceremony, on December 7, the French state will officially hand over the cathedral to its assignee, the Catholic Church, during a liturgy that includes a blessing, a Magnificat and vespers.

This trip to France is highly anticipated, especially since Pope Francis has only visited France briefly during his pontificate. After his visit to Notre-Dame, he will return to Rome for the annual procession of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which will be held at the Piazza di Spagna.

The announcement of the Pope's participation in this crucial event for the French underlines not only the symbolic importance of the reopening of Notre-Dame, but also the place of the Catholic Church in reconciliation and reconstruction.