'The vast fire that ripped through Paris' venerable Notre Dame cathedral has struck directly at the soul of France,' writes David A. Andelman for CNNOpinion
David A. Andelman, Executive Director of The RedLines Project, is a contributor to CNN, where his columns won the Deadline Club Award for Best Opinion Writing. Author of"A Shattered Peace: Versailles 1919 and the Price We Pay Today," and translator of"An Impossible Dream: Reagan Gorbachev and a World Without the Bomb," he was formerly a foreign correspondent for The New York Times and CBS News. Follow him on Twitter @DavidAndelman.
The vast fire that ripped through Paris' venerable Notre Dame cathedral has struck directly at the soul of France. No single catastrophic event has bit so deeply into the core of the cathedral and its soaring spire as Monday's fire that lit up the city skyline. As thousands lined the banks of the Seine to gaze up at the flames, there were few words to convey their fear that a central part of the French national identity and eight centuries of its precious history had been lost in a single transcendent moment. I share their sentiment.
See moment Notre Dame's spire falls 00:29It's hardly a surprise, then, that French President Emmanuel Macron canceled a televised address to the nation and raced to the scene of the fire."Like all our compatriots, I am sad this evening to see this part of all of us burning," he tweeted at 8 p.m. local time.Indeed, the very name of the cathedral translates to"Our lady of Paris.
Witness: We watched 'in silent shock' as Notre Dame burned 02:21In fact, Notre Dame was built on land where a pagan temple was situated in Roman times. But the cathedral in its current form may be more directly traced to the rule of Louis VII, who, in an effort to cement Paris as the true capital of Europe, began work with the blessing of Pope Alexander III on the towering structure that continues to dominate the Paris skyline today.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Donald Trump encourages France to use 'flying water tankers' as Notre Dame Cathedral burns'So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,' the president wrote. 'Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!'
Weiterlesen »
With Notre Dame aflame, witnesses sing ‘Ave Maria’ in the streets of ParisRising above the flames, came a chorus of voices - uniting in song as they mourned their beloved cathedral.
Weiterlesen »
Ex-Notre Dame, NFL running back Wood arrested on murder chargesFormer NFL and Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood was scheduled to appear in co...
Weiterlesen »
Famed Notre Dame Cathedral ablaze in ParisFamed Notre Dame Cathedral is on fire in Paris
Weiterlesen »
Fire at Notre Dame cathedral: Live updatesPolice in Paris say the Notre Dame cathedral is on fire. Follow for live updates.
Weiterlesen »