By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, severely damaged by a devastating fire on April 15, 2019, will reopen its doors on Dec. 7 following a five-year repair.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged to rebuild the cathedral within five years, oversaw the completion of the approximately $1.08 billion (€1 billion) restoration, funded by global donations.
The opening ceremony will host 2,000 guests, including political leaders such as US President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and King Charles III, Europe 1 reported.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were not invited, according to Elysee sources.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis declined Macron’s invitation to attend as he will visit the French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
The Vatican announced that the 88-year-old pontiff would not join the Paris ceremony but will visit Corsica on Dec. 15 for a conference on the Catholic faith in the Mediterranean.
The Pope’s decision to visit another French region while skipping the Notre Dame reopening drew criticism and speculation over strained ties between Macron and the pontiff.
The Dec. 7 ceremony will include speeches by Macron and Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, a traditional door-knocking ritual, and a light show on the cathedral facade.
Public masses and visits will begin on Dec. 8, with a reservation system to manage access.
Notre Dame was completed in 1345, and is regarded as one of the foremost Christian houses of worship.
Every year, almost 13 million people visit the cathedral, and its historical treasures, including the iconic sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus' body, as well as its giant rose windows, and medieval furniture.
The cathedral -- described as the symbol of Christianity in France by the Vatican -- also hosts the Paris Archbishopric.