Five years ago, the world watched in collective heartbreak as flames engulfed the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Parisians openly wept in the streets. The bells of French churches rang in mournful solidarity, calling the people of France to pray for the nation’s beloved cathedral.
The April 15, 2019, tragedy transcended borders, uniting the world in a shared sense of loss. For the Catholic Church, Notre Dame is, first and foremost, a place of worship. However, the cathedral also stands as a monument to the church’s indelible and unrivaled contribution to art, architecture and culture. As we mark this somber anniversary, it is also a moment to celebrate the church’s role in nurturing and preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of the West.
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