Notre Dame latest: World leaders send well wishes to Paris

The fire was almost extinguished on Tuesday morning
AFP/Getty Images
Megan White16 April 2019

World leaders have sent messages of goodwill to Paris as the city woke up to the aftermath of the Notre Dame fire.

Despite extensive damage, the 850-year-old cathedral remained standing on Tuesday morning, with its two towers saved by firefighters.

Hundreds of the city’s pompiers tackled the historic blaze through the night, battling to stop it wreaking complete destruction after flames torched the roof, sending its spire crashing to the ground before crowds of horrified Parisians.

Prime Minister Theresa May sent her wishes to the French capital from her walking holiday with her husband in Wales, where she is spending the beginning of parliamentary recess.

The Gothic cathedral suffered extensive damage in the huge blaze
Reuters

She said: “My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre Dame cathedral.”

Meanwhile, 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 Christ. Nous sommes avec vous."

Former US president Barack Obama shared his condolences and a message to rebuild "as strong as we can.”

He added: "Notre Dame is one of the world's great treasures, and we're thinking of the people of France in your time of grief.

The cathedral's spire collapsed after the massive fire erupted
Reuters

"It's in our nature to mourn when we see history lost - but it's also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can."

Donald Trump said: “So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!

“God bless the people of France!”

Michelle Obama, who was in Paris on Monday as part of her book tour, said: "My heart aches with the people of France. The majesty of Notre Dame - the history, artistry, and spirituality - took our breath away, lifting us to a higher understanding of who we are and who we can be.”

European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted: "I'd like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdansk, 90 per cent destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral! From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.”

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, also said: "Our Lady of Paris belongs to the whole of mankind. What a sad spectacle. What a horror. I share the emotion of the French nation which is also ours.”

South Korean president Moon Jae-in said the damage was "a loss for all of us" and called for the world to come together to rebuild the Paris landmark.

Mr Moon said the French people's "spirit of liberty, equality and fraternity will never be dashed by flames".

Aftermath of Notre Dame Cathedral fire - In pictures

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Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga also expressed his sympathy, saying: "Its damage is a loss to the world and our hearts ache."

Hillary Clinton added: “My heart goes out to Paris. Notre Dame is a symbol of our ability as human beings to unite for a higher purpose - to build breathtaking spaces for worship that no one person could have built on their own. I wish France strength and shared purpose as they grieve and rebuild.”

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