Pope visits rebuilt Notre Dame

Seven years after a devastating fire, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Vespers at the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame de Paris with bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and consecrated religious.

Rebuilt cathedral inspires missionary presence

The Pope said the beauty of the rebuilt church calls hearts to peace and offers an opportunity for encounter with all people, especially those on the peripheries who may seem far away.

“speaks to our restless hearts and calls them to peace”

Cathedral model for all of France

The Pope said Notre Dame's renewal can inspire all French cities and regions through a simple, welcoming missionary presence that harmonizes cultural differences and heals divided societies.

Liturgy is the church's soul

The Pope emphasized that without the liturgy, a church loses its soul. He called for celebrations to be offered with dignity and reverence, even in smaller communities.

“Without the liturgy, the church would lose its soul”

Cultivate authentic love for liturgy

The Pope called clergy and religious to cultivate authentic love for the liturgy and recognize themselves as heirs of the Church Fathers. He emphasized the liturgical reforms of Vatican II and unity with the Pope.

“conscious heirs of the Church Fathers and saints”

Reborn for holiness and mission

The Pope said the cathedral has been reborn so clergy may be reborn with it in a new commitment to holiness and daily mission, bearing witness to God's love and healing the human family.

“be reborn with it in a new impetus towards holiness and daily mission”

Mary guides France's church mission

The Pope concluded by praying that Mary would keep French clergy faithful and be the star guiding the Church's mission in France.

“be the star that guides the mission of the Church in France”