What Happened to the Archbishop of Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

On April 15th, 2019, the world watched in horror as flames engulfed the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The fire caused significant damage to the medieval structure, including the loss of its spire and roof. But what happened to the Archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, during this tragic event?

The Response

As news of the fire spread rapidly, Archbishop Michel Aupetit quickly arrived on the scene to help coordinate efforts to save the cathedral. He was seen outside the building with other officials and members of the clergy, watching as firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

Prayers for Notre-Dame

The Archbishop also took an active role in rallying support for Notre-Dame in the aftermath of the fire. He called for prayers from all over France and around the world, asking people to remember what he called “the heart of our nation”.

In a statement released shortly after the fire was extinguished, Archbishop Aupetit expressed his gratitude for those who had worked tirelessly to save Notre-Dame. He also emphasized that it was important not to forget that a church is more than just a building; it is a place where people come together to worship and find solace.

The Future of Notre-Dame

In the months since the fire, there has been much discussion about what should be done with Notre-Dame. While some have suggested that it should be rebuilt exactly as it was before, others have advocated for a more modern design.

Archbishop Aupetit has been vocal in his support for rebuilding Notre-Dame as closely as possible to its original form. He has stressed that this is not only important for preserving France’s cultural heritage but also for ensuring that future generations can experience its beauty and significance.

Conclusion

The fire at Notre-Dame was a devastating event for people all over the world. But amidst the destruction, there were also stories of heroism and hope.

Archbishop Michel Aupetit played an important role in both responding to the fire and helping to rally support for the cathedral in its aftermath. As plans for its restoration continue to unfold, it is clear that Notre-Dame will remain an important symbol of France’s history and culture for generations to come.