(RNS) — One year after the Cathedral of Notre Dame was nearly destroyed by a fire, its future remains uncertain. Prominent voices in France continue to argue about what should happen to the medieval gothic structure once its complex reconstruction is completed.
The citizens of France and the entire world watched with terror as the roof and steeple of the landmark cathedral collapsed from the blaze on April 15, 2019, even as firemen and art experts worked tirelessly to salvage the historic treasures inside.
In the aftermath of the blaze, French President Emanuel Macron promised his people that “The Old Dame” of Paris would be rebuilt in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics hosted by the French capital. The COVID-19 pandemic necessarily put a halt on the efforts in mid-March, but reconstruction is scheduled to resume next Monday (April 27).
Yet Notre Dame remains under fire. Architects and restorers in France cannot agree on the style of the renovations, while historians and prelates debate its soul. Once the debris is removed, the roof rebuilt and the stained glass is cleaned, what will be the purpose of this symbol of France and the Catholic faith?
“What cathedral should be built for the XXI century?” asked Bishop Michel Aupetit of Paris in a reflection recently published in the French Catholic paper La Croix.
“What it is has always been due to the meaning behind its…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.