While celebrities often turn to Twitter to argue politics and mock religion, they did something different on Monday: they joined in unison to weep for the destruction of a church – the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
The world was shocked to watch as flames consumed the cathedral in Paris, France. Constructed in 1163, the historical and cultural landmark first reached completion in 1345. The blaze, which happened during Holy Week before Easter, hit the Catholic community especially hard. But with 13 million visitors per year, the gothic wonder exemplifies how beauty – beauty dedicated to God – draws in all peoples, regardless of their politics or backgrounds.
That included celebrities, from Eva Longoria and Cher to Idris Elba and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Here are 25 stars who mourned the loss of the precious cathedral.
Along with a picture of the cathedral, actress Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) tweeted out a message in French. Translated to English her words read: “My heart is broken by the sad news, France which is a country that I love enormously suffers today a painful loss, I am really sorry, Notre Dame of Paris will be in my heart forever!”
Top Chef producer Padma Lakshmi did the same. She shared a photo and expressed, “My heart goes out to France. What a surreal & sad day.”
In reaction to the news, actress Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) simply tweeted out a broken heart emoji.
Comedian Lizz Winstead, who is currently visiting Paris, added, “I’m numb, silent,trying to find a way to be. Either supportive, loving, respectful or just not in the way. I’m at a loss.”
Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal writer Shonda Rhimes called the fire “devastating,” saying, “Mes sympathies à Paris.”
“Am praying for Notre Dame,” singer Cher chimed in, while Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives) called the blaze “heartbreaking.”
Dianna Agron of Glee fame said, “It is absolutely tragic to see 850 years of history engulfed in flame. I have walked by Notre Dame countless times, always in complete awe of its beauty. Sending my love to everyone that feels as heartbroken as I do about this moment in time.”
Beauty and the Beast star Luke Evans continued, “Im in utter shock watching the terrible sights on TV. #NotreDame cathedral is on fire and we are watching as the world is about to lose this 850 year old historical, iconic and beautiful world heritage building. Huge huge loss.”
Idris Elba (Thor: Ragnarok) stressed, “I cannot believe what’s happening to Notre Dame,” while Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer of Moana, mourned, “Standing here next to you, heartsick for Notre Dame.”
Taking time away from her birthday, Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams tweeted she was in pain “watching the Notre Dame fire unfold.” She added, “Such an incredible building. I’m so sad.”
Singer Camila Cabello continued, “my heart is breaking seeing the fire at notre dame. I’ll never forget walking in the first time in Paris and being in awe of the beauty of it.”
Singer Ellie Goulding found herself, “ profoundly sad about this... so much lost in a few seconds ... I am praying (which I don’t do often) for the fire to be contained soon .... utterly heartbreaking.”
“Oh non!!!!” exclaimed actress Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite). “My favorite Cathedral in the world!!! A most holy place.”
Star Trek actor William Shatner commented, “Very sad to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame in flames. Such a magnificent and iconic structure. I hope everyone is safe and my heart goes out to the French people.”
Singer Josh Groban added, “Watching the Notre-Dame fire with such sadness. Sending love to the people of France and hoping they get a handle on it soon. It has survived, and will survive.”
“I feel physically ill,” tweeted former Pussycat Doll Kaya Jones. “Our Holy Week is hitting with a heavy loss. Notre Dame de Paris is on fire. My favorite church in all the world. I’ve been so many times. To Easter mass even. Dear Lord I send my deepest condolences to the French people. And to all Christians.”
Actress Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) said, “Devastating for history. Paris is in my thoughts. Really pulling for the rescue teams to stay safe, and save #NotreDame.”
When the spire fell, singer Nancy Sinatra expressed, “It's like watching someone you love die.”
“So much history collapsing right before our eyes. Heartbroken for Notre-Dame and Paris,” singer Dua Lipa tweeted.
Jurassic Park actress Laura Dern admitted, “I’m weeping. Our gift of light. Notre Dame on fire. My heart is breaking. My grandmother’s and mother’s heart home.”
“My heart hurts watching Notre Dame Cathedral burn down,” Nyle DiMarco (Switched at Birth) typed.
Actor Bradley Whitford (Get Out) wrote, “Love to you, beautiful Paris. Our hearts are breaking for you.”
“I feel sick,” actor Josh Gad (Frozen) said. “I am not ready to say goodbye to this treasure. My eyes are filled with tears and my heart is filled with sickness. I cannot believe that we are about to lose one of the world’s most beautiful structures & a piece of history that cannot be replaced.”
Gad and the others are right: Notre Dame cannot be replaced. But, with the world united, perhaps the beloved church can be rebuilt.