One month after a fire destroyed the roof and spire of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Archbishop of Paris released an update on reconstruction efforts and the donations received thus far.
Of the €1 billion publicly pledged in the emotional aftermath of the fire, only €13.5 million has been collected so far, Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris said in a statement published last week.
Some of the major donors who have pledged the most money include French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, who pledged €100 million and Bernard Arnault, who pledged €200 million, according to an NPR report. The owners of L’Oréal cosmetic company along with the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation also pledged €200 million.
Archbishop Aupetit said that exact amount needed for the restoration is still being evaluated, but “the needs appear considerable”.
“Any given euro will be a euro that will serve to reshape the heart of the cathedral. It will be used to finance an ambitious but necessary” restoration program, he said.
While the blaze brought down the cathedral’s spire and destroyed the roof, the Eucharist and most of the relics and artwork inside were spared, including a relic from the crown of thorns.
The main structure of the cathedral was also spared from serious damage, including its famous rose windows, bells and bell towers.