Morocco’s King Mohammed VI Expected at Notre-Dame Reopening Ceremony

After major restoration work following the 2019 fire, the cathedral will be open to the public again on the weekend of December 7 and 8. An inauguration ceremony is planned, and several heads of state are expected to be present, including King Mohammed VI.

Among the notable absentees are former US President Donald Trump, King Felipe VI of Spain and King Charles III of England. The Swedish sovereigns, Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, have also indicated that they will not be able to attend, being held back by the Nobel Prize concert. However, their daughter, Princess Victoria, could represent them. Pope Francis, for his part, has chosen to decline the invitation to travel to Corsica the following week. This decision, perceived as a snub by some, illustrates the sovereign pontiff’s desire to prioritize the "peripheries", according to several French bishops.

Despite these defections, several personalities have confirmed their presence. The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, will be present, as will the Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the Greek President Ekateríni Sakellaropoúlou. The King of Jordan is also expected.

A grand concert is planned for the evening of December 7 on the forecourt of the cathedral. Artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, Lang Lang and Benjamin Bernheim will perform alongside popular singers like Clara Luciani, Vianney and Garou. The rumor has it that Paul McCartney could also make an appearance, but his presence is not confirmed.