Notre Dame Cathedral holds first Mass since 2019 fire after five years of restoration

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris held its first Mass since the 2019 fire on Sunday, marking a significant moment after over five years of reconstruction. The event was attended by around 2,500 people, including French President Emmanuel Macron and nearly 170 bishops. The Mass featured the consecration of a new bronze altar, symbolizing the cathedral's revival as a spiritual center. The restoration has included extensive cleaning and upgrades, with new fire prevention systems installed to protect the landmark. Following the Mass, an "octave" of celebrations will continue through December 15, offering daily services to the public. Notre Dame aims to reclaim its role as a major cultural and religious site, with expected annual visitors increasing from 12 million to 15 million.