As the world mourns the fire that hit Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral, the Philippines’ Presidential Palace Malacañang expressed sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “heartbreaking” in a statement published today.
“The Palace is deeply saddened and bothered by the fire that hit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in the statement.
He also offered “thoughts and prayers” for the people of France and said that the Philippines stands “in solidarity with the rest of the world for this heartbreaking incident.”
At around 6:50pm on Tuesday, Paris time (12:50am today, Philippines time), the more than 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral located in Central Paris was hit by a fire that reportedly lasted for about eight hours.
Thousands of bystanders looked on as firefighters worked on putting the fire out, with some even singing the Catholic hymn Ave Maria while kneeling on the street.
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“Thousands of various races have at one time or another stood either by themselves or with their families or friends in front of this historic cathedral and marvel at its architectural grandeur. Their sojourn there left beautiful memories engraved in their hearts and recorded in photographs,” Panelo said in his statement.
The fire was declared under control this morning but the church’s spire and its roof had crashed to the ground by then, AFP reported. Thankfully, its facade and iconic towers were saved, The Telegraph reported.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined but firefighters said it could be connected to the cathedral’s ongoing restoration work.
French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild the French landmark calling it “the epicenter of our life,” referring to all French people, whether religious or not.
Presidential Spokesperson Panelo also expressed the Philippines’ support for the planned rebuilding.
“We wish the French nation all the best as they undertake efforts to rebuild this great monument in Paris restored to its majestic sight,” he said.
Panelo joins other world leaders and their representatives who have also mourned the Notre Dame fire. This includes ad interim Director of the Vatican Press Office, Alessandro Gisotti who expressed “shock and sadness” in light of the incident.
Former US President Barack Obama also tweeted an old photo of himself with his family lighting candles inside the church he called “one of the world’s great treasures.”
Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can. pic.twitter.com/SpMEvv1BzB
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2019
