Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors on Saturday after a five-year restoration following a catastrophic fire in 2019 that destroyed its roof and spire.
The ceremony, attended by over 40 world leaders, celebrated the restoration of the iconic Paris landmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the reopening as a testament to French resilience and creativity.
He welcomed notable figures, including US President-elect Donald Trump on his first foreign trip since his election, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William of the UK.
Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich officially reopened the cathedral at 1800 GMT by knocking three times on the doors, initiating an almost two-hour ceremony featuring prayer, organ music, and hymns.
A televised concert, pre-recorded due to harsh weather, included performances by Lang Lang, Pretty Yende, and Gustavo Dudamel, alongside a believed appearance by US singer Pharrell Williams.
The restoration, which cost €700 million, was achieved within five years through global donations and traditional French craftsmanship, defying initial predictions of a decades-long process.
Audrey Azoulay, head of UNESCO, called the work "dazzling," highlighting its blend of state-of-the-art techniques and ancient skills.
Macron, speaking earlier in the week, unveiled the newly restored limestone walls, wooden roof crafted from ancient oak trees, and refreshed interiors.
He called the reopening "proof that we know how to do grand things, we know how to do the impossible."
Despite the sense of accomplishment, France faces political and financial turmoil, with Macron aiming to unify the nation through events like the reopening and the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
Security around the event mirrored Olympic measures, with 6,000 police officers and gendarmes deployed across Paris.
However, Pope Francis was notably absent, as he visited Corsica instead, sending a message to the French people that was read during the ceremony.
The cathedral, which captured global attention during the 2019 fire, is set to hold its first mass on Sunday morning, led by 170 bishops and over 100 Paris priests. Another service open to the public will take place in the evening.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, though investigators suspect an accidental electrical fault. Firefighters’ efforts in 2019 prevented the complete collapse of the 850-year-old monument, preserving its legacy as one of the world’s most visited cultural treasures.
