In a message of solidarity to the French President Emmanuel Macron, Grand Master Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto expressed his consternation and the solidarity of the Order of Malta after the terrible fire that engulfed the Paris cathedral of Notre Dame.

“Mr. President,
I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the fire that has devastated the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, a spiritual, cultural and symbolic heritage of all humanity. On behalf of the Sovereign Order of Malta and on my own behalf, I want to convey our sympathies to the French people in their grief.”

The Grand Master expressed the hope that the cathedral can soon be rebuilt and that this authentic architectural jewel – for centuries a witness to the faith  – can once more be the symbol that unites Catholics in France and around the world.