Notre Dame reopens its doors to Macron and other world leaders in a rare symbol of unity
Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the cathedral roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze engulfed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. While the ceremony was initially planned to begin on the forecourt, unusually fierce December winds whipping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine, forced all events inside. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. For President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious five-year restoration timeline, it was a rare moment of unity amid profound political crises and threats to his presidential legacy—a clear pivot to elevate the celebration into a fully fledged diplomatic event. The reopening comes at a time of global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. Amid this backdrop of division, the cathedral’s resurrection emerged as a rare symbol of resilience and unity. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope,” said its rector, the Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. “What seemed impossible has become possible.” The gathering of world leaders reflected the cathedral’s significance as a sanctuary of shared heritage and a reminder of the enduring power of faith. Ukrainian pastor Andriy Morkvas, attending his first Mass at Notre Dame in over a decade, found hope in the cathedral’s rebirth. “God is powerful; He can change things,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help resolve our conflict.” Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more—a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame’s revival is a story of global collaboration and determination. Over 42,000 square meters of stonework—an area equal to six soccer fields—were cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings long cloaked in soot. Above the nave, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. “It’s night and day,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. “When I last saw it in 2021, it was filled with scaffolding. Now, it’s perfection.” The cathedral’s thunderous great organ, with its newly renovated console boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, resounded for the first time since the fire, echoing as a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. The ceremony began with Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dame’s grand wooden doors, tapping them three times with his fire-scarred crosier. Psalms and hymns echoed through the cathedral’s hallowed halls, culminating in an organ performance by four world-class musicians. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. A star-studded prerecorded concert featured luminaries like pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende. Their performances offered a universal message of harmony, celebrating the cathedral’s resurrection and its role as a sanctuary of faith and art. Amid the grandeur, personal stories of faith punctuated the evening. Huguette Euphrasie, attending with her cancer-stricken mother, gazed at the cathedral’s illuminated towers. “It has huge spiritual value for me,” she said. “It’s very moving.” For Patricia and Cyrille Brenner, who traveled overnight from Cannes, the reopening felt like a pilgrimage. “You have to be there to experience it,” Patricia said, comparing it to the Cannes Film Festival. Her husband added, “The fire was a call to renew our faith.” For Macron, the reopening offered a rare reprieve from political turmoil. Just days earlier, his government collapsed in a historic no-confidence vote, plunging France into uncertainty. Macron described the reopening as “a jolt of hope,” framing it as a testament to France’s resilience and unity. The achievement of restoring Notre Dame within five years—a timeline dismissed as overly ambitious by many—was a political win for Macron. Yet, as he addressed the gathering inside the cathedral, his speech highlighted not just the success of the restoration but also France’s enduring spirit amid adversity. Security was tight, echoing measures seen during the Paris Olympics. Police vans and soldiers in body armor patrolled embankments, while a special detail followed President-elect Donald Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine accommodated 40,000 spectators, who watched the ceremonies unfold on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one. After the reopening, the cathedral is expected to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. As the evening drew to a close, the cathedral stood as a testament to what collective will and faith can achieve. “It’s the soul of Paris,” Dumas said. “And tonight, its heart beats again.” Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.The successful listing of Maogeping underscores the growing demand for cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions in the global market. As a leading player in the AI industry, Maogeping is well positioned to capitalize on the increasing reliance on technology in various sectors, ranging from healthcare to finance.
President-elect Donald Trump has stirred controversy this week with his pledge to impose new tariffs on imports from the United States' top trading partners: Canada, China, and Mexico. Earlier this week, Trump announced plans to implement a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese products. This marks Trump's first major tariff promise since his election, signaling a tough approach to trade with these countries. He stated that, upon taking office, he would sign executive orders to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada, maintaining that the tariffs would remain in place until the flow of illegal immigration and fentanyl into the U.S. was stopped. "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" Trump wrote. Canada: The biggest surprise Trump’s hard-line stance on China, which conservatives view as a threat to U.S. economic and national security, comes as no surprise. Similarly, his criticism of Mexico is rooted in long-standing concerns over immigration and border security. But what’s less expected is the inclusion of Canada, the U.S.'s northern neighbor, in this tariff plan. While it’s possible that these tariff threats are part of a broader negotiation strategy, there has been a notable uptick in border apprehensions in recent months. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, arrests at the U.S.-Canada border surged from 10,021in the 12-month period ending September 2023, to 23,721 in the following year. Immigration has been one of Trump’s signature issues since his 2016 campaign, and his tough stance on border security continues to resonate with his political base. In response to Trump's remarks, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the concerns within his own country, emphasizing the ongoing strong ties between the U.S. and Canada. “We talked about how the intense and effective connections between our two countries flow back and forth,” Trudeau said, noting that both nations could collaborate on addressing shared challenges. If these tariffs are enacted, the impact could be significant. Canada exports about 77% of its goods to the U.S., according to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, meaning that such measures could have far-reaching economic consequences for both countries. Elon Musk on Trump’s tariff crackdown Reacting to a post that discusses Trump's latest tariff plan, Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to X and said, “Price of Fentanyl will rise sharply.”The sentiment behind the call for Pony reflects a broader desire for a society guided by moral values and ethical principles. As individuals express their support for Pony's intervention, they are also signaling their commitment to upholding honesty, integrity, and justice in all aspects of life.
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EXCLUSIVE I have a kinky fetish for Father Christmas - and I'm not the only one turned by Santa Claus The bizarre kink, called Santaphilia, is currently on the rise Social media star Kassidie Kosa has suffered from Santaphilia since childhood READ MORE: Kim Kardashian slammed over 'demonic' Santa Baby music video By J. PETERSON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:46 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 15:46 EST, 23 December 2024 e-mail 12 shares 35 View comments A bizarre new fetish involving Santa Claus is on the rise - and porn companies are cashing in on the kinky craze. The predilection, called 'Santaphilia,' applies to people who become sexually aroused by Father Christmas . Social media star Kassidie Kosa, 24, told DailyMail.com that her passion for Santa started in childhood. 'I think it started around age 10, watching Christmas movies with my family,' she shared. 'Santa always stood out to me - he was charming, caring, and, dare I say, kind of hot,' she gushed. 'But only in his Santa suit... There's just something about the whole persona that stuck with me.' She added, 'It's not just about the physical traits. It's the whole Santa vibe: generous, kind-hearted, and larger than life. 'That combination is irresistible to me. And can I also say, the beard makes him a bonafide GILF.' Model Kassidie Kosa, 24, has opened up about the kinky fetish she has for Santa Claus The predilection, called 'Santaphilia,' applies to people who become sexually aroused by Father Christmas (stock image) Kassidie even confessed to having racy sexual fantasies about Father Christmas. 'One of my favorite fantasies is being Mrs. Claus, baking cookies while Santa sneaks in a kiss, or maybe more, between batches,' she shared. Adult streaming site CamSoda capitalized on the craze by launching Mr. and Mrs. Claus AI sex-bots with 'human-like personality traits and physical features.' Users are able to interact with the AI companions and share their naughtiest Christmas wishes from behind their computer screen. 'Our AI-powered Sexy Santa and Mrs. Claus chatbots play with the thrilling dynamic of being "naughty" or "nice" - something that resonates with a lot of people, especially those in the BDSM community,' CamSoda's VP Daryn Parker told DailyMail.com. 'Many people are drawn to the thought of these familiar holiday figures taking on a sultry, seductive persona. Our AI chatbots offer a fun, safe, and interactive way to explore that,' he added. Even Kim Kardashian seemed to acknowledge the bizarre fetish in her recently released music video for her cover of the holiday classic Santa Baby . In the visual, the 44-year-old was seen at what appears to be the aftermath of a wild Christmas party. Even Kim Kardashian seemed to acknowledge the fetish in a raunchy music video for the Christmas classic Santa Baby Former child star Macaulay Culkin played a kinky Santa Claus in the bizarre video She crawled around the floor on her hands and knees while wearing a blonde wig and Skims shapewear, and eventually mades her way to Santa Claus - played by former child star Macaulay Culkin. Still on all fours, the reality star then seductively traced her fingers up Culkin's knee as he filmed her with a vintage camcorder. While Kim opted to tease Father Christmas, one OnlyFans model went all the way by performing oral sex on someone dressed as Kris Kringle during New York City's infamous SantaCon festival. Ava Louise, 26, was caught getting raunchy with Santa on a sidewalk in plain view of other attendees. She shared her experience at the festive event, which took place on December 14, on her Instagram page. The adult star explained: 'I really wanted to make a Christmas-themed video for my fans as a gift to them this year. 'I thought, "What better way to make a fun Christmas video than to go to SantaCon." I knew that there would be a lot of Santas looking for a Mrs. Claus and I found the perfect one.' After a few drinks at the bar, Ava said she met a man dressed in a Santa suit. OnlyFans star Ava Louise, 26, was caught getting raunchy with someone dressed as Santa in New York City at SantaCon this month They immediately hit it off and ended up going outside to get to know each other on a more intimate level. While outside, the duo began cozying up to each other and eventually got risque on the streets of New York City. Ava then reportedly began performing oral sex on the unnamed man. 'People were laughing but one woman really freaked out,' she admitted. Her shocking act left one person so disturbed that they immediately rang the cops to put an end to their fun. 'Then one of the event organizers at the bar called the police – but I escaped just in time,' Ava boasted. Share or comment on this article: I have a kinky fetish for Father Christmas - and I'm not the only one turned by Santa Claus e-mail 12 shares Add commentIn response to the backlash, Tencent Video has stated that it is open to feedback from users and will consider adjustments to the rule based on community input. The company emphasizes its commitment to providing a quality viewing experience for subscribers while upholding industry standards and regulations.General Election candidate Eoghan Kenny suffers epileptic seizure minutes before going live on RTÉ radio
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