After major restoration work following the 2019 fire, the cathedral will once again be accessible to the public on the weekend of December 7 and 8. An inauguration ceremony is planned, and several heads of state are expected to be present, including King Mohammed VI.
Notable absentees include former US President Donald Trump, King Felipe VI of Spain and King Charles III of England. The Swedish sovereigns, Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, also indicated that they could not be present, held back by the Nobel Prize concert. Their daughter, Princess Victoria, could however represent them. Pope Francis, for his part, preferred to decline the invitation to go to Corsica the following week. This decision, seen as a snub by some, illustrates the desire of the sovereign pontiff to favor the “peripheries”, according to several French bishops.
To read: King Mohammed VI with his family in the streets of Paris
Despite these defections, several personalities confirmed their presence. The first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, will be in attendance, as will Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Greek President Ekateríni Sakellaropoúlou. The King of Jordan is also expected.
A major concert is planned for the evening of December 7 on the square in front of the cathedral. Artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, Lang Lang and Benjamin Bernheim will perform alongside popular singers like Clara Luciani, Vianney and Garou. Paul McCartney is also rumored to make an appearance, but his presence is not confirmed.
Morocco
