Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector-archpriest of the cathedral, invites us to find “other means”

Charging for entry to Notre-Dame de Paris “is not our tradition”, judges Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. “I don’t know the difference between a visitor and a devotee.”

“It’s not our tradition”insists Monday, December 2 on France Inter Monseigneur Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector-archpriest of Notre-Dame Cathedral, confirming that entry to the cathedral will remain free despite the proposal from the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati to charge five euros l 'entrance.

The rector of the cathedral, which is due to reopen its doors to the public on Sunday, finds it difficult to understand the practicality of such a measure. He explains not knowing “to differentiate between a visitor and a faithful”. It also recalls the outpouring of generosity that occurred after the fire of April 2019 which ravaged part of Notre-Dame. Mgr Olivier Ribadeau Dumas therefore wonders how we “could make those who helped renovate this cathedral pay.” He therefore calls for finding “other means to finance the restoration of religious heritage” French.

Mgr Olivier Ribadeau Dumas indeed recalls that in France, since “the separation of Church and State”, THE “municipalities and the State are committed to maintaining” churches. He therefore considers that if this heritage is currently “in such a poor state, it’s because it hasn’t been maintained for years.” “It is important that the ministries concerned have the necessary funds to put this religious heritage back in order,” he emphasizes.

However, the reopening of the cathedral to the public from December 8 is “a magnificent sign of hope”applauds Mgr Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. “What seemed impossible, namely rebuilding in five years, became possible thanks to the work, energy and will of those who wanted it.” Mgr Olivier Ribadeau Dumas describes “the splendor” of the restored cathedral. He highlights “the blondness of the stone, the liturgical furniture in bronze” and the “frame” which required “more than 1,000 oaks pruned, as was done in the Middle Ages”. He says he is struck by “finesse and delicacy” of catering, evoking in particular “the paintings of the pillars by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc with their pink and green colors”.

“Paris could not live without its cathedral”, adds the religious. “The Catholics of Paris will find their mother church,” he rejoices.