"We will rebuild this cathedral together," a somber President Emmanuel Macron said outside the collapsing Notre Dame cathedral on Monday.
Onlookers, both on the ground and all around the world, watched in horror as flames tore through Notre Dame, destroying the iconic spire and the entire roof of the cathedral.
MORE: Macron says he will launch an international fundraising campaign for Notre-Dame cathedral https://t.co/tj1oGwXwUs pic.twitter.com/oX9qbp4eGD
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) April 15, 2019
Thankfully, the French leader noted, the worst appears to have been avoided. Fire crews were able to maintain the cathedral's main structure.
Macron is hoping an international fundraising campaign will help with the rebuild.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that, starting tomorrow, he will launch an international fundraising campaign for the Notre Dame cathedral. "We will rebuild this cathedral together." https://t.co/s5ma7OHj6E pic.twitter.com/sLfe5hiFY8
— CNN (@CNN) April 15, 2019
"A national subscription will be launched well beyond our borders," he continued. "We will appeal for the greatest talent and there are many who will come and contribute."
"We will rebuild Notre Dame because that is what the French people are expecting," he continued. "That is what our history is worthy of. Because it is our deep destiny."
Judging by other world leaders' reactions, Macron won't have to look far for help.
God bless the people of France!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre-Dame cathedral.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 15, 2019
Heartbreaking scenes of Notre Dame cathedral in flames. London stands in sorrow with Paris today, and in friendship always.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 15, 2019