Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
On the Fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
New York – 15 April 2019
Mr. Miguel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), expresses his shock and profound sadness for the massive fire that erupted yesterday at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, and devastated large parts of the church. He notes that Notre Dame Cathedral stands as an iconic symbol of Catholicism not only in France but in the whole world as well.
Mr. Moratinos applauds the courage and professionalism of the several hundreds of firefighters who worked tirelessly to save the nearly 900-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark and expresses his wishes for a speedy recovery to the fireman who was seriously injured, according to news reports. He adds that the accident is a tragedy for the whole world reminding us of the significance of religious sites in our collective consciousness, regardless of personal beliefs, faiths, and religions.
On behalf of UNAOC, the High Representative expresses his support for the Government and people of France.