On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, severely damaging much of its medieval roof and famed spire. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of brave firefighters and emergency services, much of the 861-year-old structure, including its two bell towers, was saved from destruction.

The tragic damage to the 12th-century Catholic church sparked an outpouring of support worldwide, with 340,000 people donating €900 million to the reconstruction effort.

The reconstruction was completed in just five years after a monumental effort involving some 2,000 people, including architects, artists, blacksmiths, carpenters, roofers, sculptors, and stone masons. French President Emmanuel Macron branded the project as an "insane challenge" and the "construction project of the century".

On Saturday, tens of thousands poured into central Paris to attend the cathedral's reopening. The monumental event also drew world leaders and dignitaries, including U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump, First Lady Jill Biden, Britain's Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, among others who flocked to Paris to celebrate the icon of Christian heritage.

Mr Trump announced Monday that he would be attending the ceremony, writing on Truth Social: "It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the re-opening of the Magnificent and Historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago.

"President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!"