Pope refuses to celebrate first mass at restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Pope Francis, without explanation, declined an invitation to Paris: according to the French authorities, on December 8 he was supposed to hold the first mass in the Notre Dame Cathedral, which had been restored after the fire.

Cathedral Notre Damea world-famous landmark in Paris, was almost completely destroyed by a major fire in April 2019. According to information BILDFrench President Emmanuel Macron was counting on the pontiff's presence at the first mass in the cathedral after the reconstruction.

The reasons for the refusal are not officially stated. However, one of the main versions is the weakened health of the Pope, who has had to cancel planned trips more than once. However, the head of the Catholic Church recently visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

Edition Le Figaro notes that the Pope is generally “cold” towards France. Another possible reason for the pontiff's refusal to go to France is the scandal at the opening of the Olympic Games. The Vatican reacted negatively to the queer version of the Last Supper shown at the ceremony, calling it an insult to Christians and having expressed his condemnation.

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