SW News: There is good news for the faithful, the French, historians, and art lovers around the globe, as the structure of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been strengthened and ready for rebuilding after it suffered massive damage in a fire in 2019.

The governmental agency overseeing the reconstruction of the cathedral announced on Saturday, September 18, that the structure is now ready for rebuilding. The efforts to rescue the medieval Catholic Cathedral began right after the April 15 fire, when the Cathedral suffered major damage, including the destruction of the spire and the oak roof beams supporting the lead roof.

Experts, including carpenters, scaffolding experts, professional climbers and organ mechanics, worked for two years to secure the structure with iconic towers and vaults. They had also created a special umbrella to protect the roofless Cathedral from the weather.

As the main structure is secure, negotiation will begin with companies bidding to participate in the reconstruction. The project will include almost 100 different tenders for various projects. The restoration of the Great Organ will begin in the fall and other works in winter.

Earlier in June, the Archdiocese of Paris launched a multimillion-dollar appeal to restore the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, which is scheduled to reopen in 2024. The interior improvement of the Cathedral, which is expected to cost five to six million euros, is the responsibility of the Church.