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WASHINGTON (AP) — withdrew Thursday as pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The announcement caps a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including , who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matthew Whitaker, The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday of his clients. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department’s investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz’s political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week that he did not intend to take the oath of office. There are plans for a special election in Florida for his seat. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a “positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hopes Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.” Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination. _____ Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report. Eric Tucker And Alanna Durkin Richer, The Associated PressLee University has received a $970,268 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish “The Story Program: A Collaborative Community Approach to Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer.” “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to lead such an innovative and important project,” said Paul Conn, president of Lee University. “Our thanks to Lilly Endowment for such generous funding. We’re eager to lead this effort with several local congregations in the Cleveland area. This grant will create some exciting possibilities for all of us, and I’m glad that with Lilly Endowment’s support, Lee University can once again lead the way.” The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices. The Story Program is a five-year program that will help congregational leaders and parents to create and integrate sensory-rich elements in worship that engage all children, including those with disabilities. Lee will collaborate with a group of partner congregations within the Southeast Tennessee community to encourage the inclusion of children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer for the development of their faith. “The funding provided by Lilly Endowment will enable us to develop and initiate a multidisciplinary collaboration with an ecumenical group of partner congregations in the Cleveland area as we seek to encourage intergenerational worship and prayer,” said Lisa Long, project director and professor of practical theology in Lee’s School of Theology & Ministry, where the program is housed. “The Story Program, founded on the rich history of storytelling in our regional culture, will utilize stories and the arts as foundational program strategies for nurturing children as they learn to embrace the story of God.” There are five key activities that will be implemented to achieve the goals of the program: an annual training conference for ministry staff and lay leaders; workshops designed to offer strategies that congregations can adapt to their contexts; an intergenerational summer camp to engage children and adults in faith formation activities with storytelling and the arts (music, visual arts, drama); an annual community worship service that models fresh approaches to corporate intergenerational worship for congregations and worshippers throughout the community; and an 18-hour interdisciplinary minor in Children’s Ministry to educate and engage future ministry leaders and parents in the practices of including children in corporate worship. The committee members for this program are Bob Bayles, La-Juan Bradford, Shane Brown, Luke Gambill, Long, Julie Martinez, Mary Mathias-Dickerson, Debbie Murray, Lorinda Roberts and Ruthie Wienk. The program team will seek to involve multicultural congregations and perspectives in the planning and implementation, as well as children with various disabilities in all program activities. Lee is one of the 91 organizations being funded through the latest round of the initiative. They represent and serve congregations in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical, Orthodox, Anabaptist, and Pentecostal faith communities. Several organizations are rooted in Black Church and Hispanic and Asian American Christian traditions. “Congregational worship and prayer play a critical role in the spiritual growth of children and offer settings for children to acquire the language of faith, learn their faith traditions, and experience the love of God as part of a supportive community,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These programs will help congregations give greater attention to children and how they can more intentionally nurture the faith of children, as well as adults, through worship and prayer.” Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.
FRANCE EASED TO a 37-23 victory over an ill-disciplined Argentina at a bitterly cold Paris in their final game of the November internationals on Friday. Les Bleus claimed four tries including a superb solo effort from in-form winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Los Pumas had two players shown yellow cards in the first half, Julian Montoya and Juan Martin Gonzalez, which led to the hosts leading 30-9 at the break. France coach Fabien Galthie made four changes from last Saturday’s nerve-wracking one-point win over New Zealand as Charles Ollivon came in for the dropped Gregory Alldritt at No 8. Argentina boss Felipe Contepomi switched his scrum-half giving Gonzalo Garcia a start instead of Gonzalo Bertranou after last Friday’s loss to Ireland. Against the All Blacks, Les Bleus lost prop Tevita Tatafu to an early injury and loose-head Jean-Baptiste Gros suffered a similar fate after four minutes on Friday with a leg problem. Gros’s injury was caused by Argentina captain Montoya’s dangerous clean at a ruck and the hooker was shown a yellow card. Galthie’s side made the extra man count to open the scoring as Antoine Dupont fed lock Thibaud Flament to crash over from short range after a powerful rolling maul. Thomas Ramos slotted the easy conversion to make it 7-0 after 11 minutes. By the half hour mark the hosts lead 13-9 as Ramos traded penalty goals with Pumas fly-half Tomas Albornoz. France stretched their advantage to 20-9 as winger Gabin Villiere dived over following some dominant forward carries. Ramos added the conversion to overtake Dimitri Yachvili in third place on France’s scoring charts. Things worsened for Contepomi’s outfit as they conceded a penalty try with four minutes of the first half to play and had a second player sent to the bin. Flanker Gonzalez was shown a yellow card for palming a loose ball into touch after Dupont and Ramos showed their class with delicate chip kicks. France went into the break 30-9 ahead as Ramos slotted his third penalty of the game. Just after the interval Galthie brought 20-year-old back-rower Marko Gazzotti on for his debut. The flanker’s main intervention was to scramble onto a loose ball three metres from his own line before Les Bleus cleared with Argentina working their way back into the contest. With 24 minutes to play they were rewarded as prop Thomas Gallo benefitted from a rolling maul and Albornoz brought the score to 30-16. The Pumas’ comeback hopes were shortlived as Bielle-Biarrey scored his fourth try in three games, showing lightning speed to gather his own grubber kick. Ramos converted to make it 37-16 leaving the south Americans, fourth at last year’s World Cup, with a mountain to climb in the final quarter. The deficit was cut once again as Perpignan hooker Ignacio Ruiz, one of 10 French-based players in Argentina’s matchday squad, barreled over. Albornoz took the score to 37-23 with his two-pointer with nine minutes to play but it wasn’t enough to claim a first win over France in Paris since 2014.US stocks rally despite Trump tariff threat but European stocks fallWill President Joe Biden Deliver Eulogy At Jimmy Carter's Funeral? What We Know
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Share this Story : Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Gift Guide Holiday Guide Sports Golf Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Technology and equipment have never been better; there's plenty to choose from. Author of the article: Tim Baines Published Dec 07, 2024 • 5 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 19, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images Article content With Christmas fast approaching, finding the perfect gift for the golfer in your life can be exhausting. Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Back to video Article content Trying to figure out what to choose from a busy market full of equipment, rangefinders, clothing, shoes, golf balls and everything in between can be mind-numbing, especially if you’re on the outside looking in, not knowing what’s hot and what’s not. The good news: Technology and equipment have never been better; there’s plenty to choose from. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Here are a few ideas. Let’s start with equipment and golf balls. You can’t go wrong with Callaway Golf, long an industry trailblazer. Through its Odyssey brand, Callaway recently launched the Square 2 Square putter, with its zero-torque technology, the hottest trend in putters right now. And they’re selling, a lot. Basically, it helps you aim, sink putts, lower your score. That’s good, right? The company is coming off a huge year for its putters. Thirty-nine players at the Canadian Open were playing a version of the Jailbird putter. Most of them were not on staff; they weren’t being paid to use a Callaway product. They were just swayed by the results of the putters. Callaway is really good with its drivers (Paradym Smoke) and irons (Apex); just ask anybody who’s got them in their golf bag. There are plenty of locations to get them properly fitted, which is always a good idea. “Of course, we’re excited about the Ai 200s, the Ai 300s and the Ti Fusion is amazing,” Callaway Golf Canada’s general manager Bruce Carroll said. “We hadn’t introduced a new Apex iron in three years so we were super excited.” Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sports will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content It’s been a big year for golf ball sales. With Callaway, there are lots of options, some conventional and others a bit more light-hearted, but still producing those great results. Some of the unique offerings in time for Christmas are Chrome Tour’s Ugly Sweater and the Let the Big Dog Eat balls. There’s also the Holiday Double Dozen. Personally, I like the Chrome Soft Triple Track balls; they really help me dial in with my aim. “We have the highest share we’ve ever had,” Carroll said. “Our golf ball business has become huge; it’s the No. 1 category for Callaway, bigger than our driver, bigger than our irons.” “Our Tour ball won three majors, two of them by Xander Schauffele, one with Yuka Saso.” For more info, check out www.callawaygolf.ca . GETTING A GRIP: Golf club grips are something we take for granted. Getting fitted for nice clubs is a great thing; not taking care of them over the years ... not so much. The rule of thumb is replace the grips every 12-18 months, or every 30-40 rounds. It can make a difference. SuperStroke, considered the No. 1 putter grip, has some terrific options; a few attention-grabbing ones caught my eye. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content As a bit of a superhero guy, I was drawn to SuperStroke’s partnership with Marvel. The latest release is SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0 grips, inspired by Marvel’s Venom. Previous putter grip collaborations with Marvel have been inspired by Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Deadpool and Wolverine. For sports fans, there are also NFL, NCAA and MLB putter-grip options. 2UNDR: Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? A good place to start is 2UNDR ( ca.2undr.com ), an underwear company that has become so much more. Let’s start with the undies that feature technology like the patented Joey Pouch, that “ separates man’s most valuable assets away from the body to reduce unwanted skin-on-skin contact.” Designed in Vancouver, the underwear comes in different collections, including Swing Shift, Sport Shift, Day Shift, Power Shift, Flow Shift and Eco Collection, plus it comes in different lengths. I have a drawer full of them. I love the comfort and I particularly like the ones with the funkier designs. Also in my drawer: The super lightweight Bodhi short, which is featured in 12 colours and has a terrific comfort level on or off the golf course. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content ON WITH THE SHOE: There are plenty of golf shoes on the market, a lot of them very good options. I found one earlier this year that’s become my go-to: OG Cush by True Linkswear ( truelinkswear.ca ). A press release from True Linkswear says the OG Cush “ marries a barefoot feel with maximum comfort.” After walking around the golf course, that sounds about right. The shoe has a first-of-its-kind zero-drop Wanderlux foam. The zero drop sole means it’s completely level from heel to forefoot with a cushioned foam platform underfoot for a comfortable walk. The boosted Wanderlux cushioning will wear into each golfer’s foot shape over time to create a natural arch that provides more support with each step, from the course to the trail, the streets or the office. True Linkswear also offers plenty of apparel options. HOME ON THE RANGE(FINDER): I’ve gone through a few rangefinders and watches over the years. Earlier this year, I saw an ad for the Shot Scope V5 GPS watch. So, I bought one. Can’t say enough good things about the watch, with automatic performance tracking; a big key was no subscription fees on the Shot Scope mobile app, which gives you plenty of statistics to crunch. Advertisement 6 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The watch has a full-colour daylight readable screen and provides front, middle, and back distances to every green as well as measurements to hazards, layups, and doglegs on 36,000 preloaded courses. A big plus for stats geeks: You can measure shot distances with tracking tags you screw into the top of your club. I like gadgets, so I took it a step further and got my hands on the Pro L2, a hand-held rangefinder. A daptive slope technology adjusts your distance, taking the up-and-down hills into account to allow for better club selection. Advanced features include rapid-fire detection and target-lock vibration. It’s lightweight and, despite my shaky hands, seems to lock into the target quicker than other rangefinders I’ve used. The website is ShotScope.com/ca . Recommended from Editorial Ottawa Senators had no serious talks on Jacob Trouba as search for help continues Brady Tkachuk to New York Rangers rumour is 'Total bulls--t' and 'garbage' Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. 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An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look onSpecial counsel moves to dismiss election interference case against Donald Trump
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Analysis: Week 12 full of sloppy play, especially on special teamsTaking matters into your own hands won’t resolve anything, says Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu. The warning comes after people were making threats on social media following a brawl with nightclub bouncers in Suva last Saturday. He urged people to stay calm. “Emotions are still high at the moment, and we are calling on parties involved to try and remain calm,” ACP Driu said. “Taking matters into your own hands wont resolve anything, it will only make things worse,”. He said Police had started to round up a few people involved, and they continued to search for others. “Last night, we have brought in one of the bouncers involved and he is currently in our custody.” ACP Driu said a team of Police Officers from Totogo Police Station were in Namatakula Village yesterday and this morning collecting statements from involved individuals and witnesses. “We are calling on parties involved to corporate with us in providing statements and evidence. “Have patience and allow Police to conduct its investigation. “ He said Police would continue to monitor social media posts and would be on standby to ensure that no one takes the law into their hands.
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PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral on Nov. 29 in Paris. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. 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 vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen Nov. 29 in Paris. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed ... As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. People gather near France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, hours before formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, on Saturday in Paris. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” Notre Dame's thunderous great organ was heard in public for the first time since 2019 at the cathedral's reopening ceremony Saturday night. The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. 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 echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail followed Trump. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) The tabernacle of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP) Windows in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron, center, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron, third right, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) People gather as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated Notre Dame Cathedral Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he visits the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) The nave, the western Rose window and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) A man takes a picture of Notre Dame Cathedral as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated cathedral, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Part of the nave and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The facade of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris, is seen Friday Nov. 29, 2024, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Part of the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) People stand inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) Get local news delivered to your inbox!