“I commiserate with everyone faced with this major disaster. Great churches, such as the Notre Dame or the Hagia Sophia, transcend religions, countries, even the civilisations that built them. They are a heritage that belongs to all humanity, to global civilization. More specifically, the Notre Dame is also an eternal symbol of France and of the city, from the 12th century until the 19th century, when the spire that collapsed was built.
We are certain that it will be rebuilt in all its glory, as we have confidence in the solidarity of the entire world. The examples of support from ordinary people in Greece, who telephoned the French Embassy to express their support, are just a small sample of this solidarity from all sides.
The Greek State, the Greek people stand in solidarity with the French people and the French Republic in their effort to restore the Notre Dame to its former glory”.
April 17, 2019