The huge Notre Dame cathedral fire has brought the world’s focus to one of France’s most iconic landmarks (Source: ABC)

One of the world’s most iconic buildings, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been engulfed by a huge fire today. The cause of the fire is still unknown although early suggestions are that it was caused by renovation work on the 800- year-old building.

The fire consuming the catholic edifice has come just a few days to Easter, the most important season to Catholics all over the world. The cathedral is believed to house the crown which Jesus wore at his crucifixion which is said to have been brought from Constantinople hundreds of years ago. As the fire rages,thousands of Catholics who have taken positions outside the building have broken into the singing of Christian hymns.

Now it is a vigil of sorts. As the faithful sing hymns, they also pause to say prayers for the building to be spared. Their prayers appear to have been largely heard. As at 11.00p.m Paris time, much of the fire appeared to be subsiding.

Another angle of the cathedral as firefighters battle the inferno (Source: CNBC)

French President, Emmanuel Macron is already feeling very relieved. At the cathedral, he announced that ‘ the worst is over.’ He also made a pledge about the rebuilding of Notre Dame. “The Cathedral is what we will rebuild. We will rebuild Notre Dame because it is our deep heritage,” he said.

Reactions to the fire from around the world have been very profuse. US President, Donald Trump described the scenario as a huge tragedy. He described the cathedral as one of the world’s most important museums.

President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales , Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: ” It is an iconic building  visited by millions but more importantly is a symbol of faith which is at the heart of Europe. We pray the fire is extinguished quickly and with a shared effort the building is made good.” The Mayor of Rome simply said: “Rome embraces Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral was completed in the year 1345. The medieval building survived the Crusades, the French Revolution and two world wars. Many French people have a deep attachment to the edifice.

Notre Dame houses many highly priced artworks and artefacts. Luckily, and as as a fire brigade commander at the scene has confirmed, most of the precious artworks have been sheltered.