One of the world’s most famous landmarks will soon be no more.
This is the horrible reality we now face, as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire on Monday, April 15, igniting into flames that appear to be threatening to topple the entire antique building.
Such a targedy has caught the attention of anyone who has visited this religious building in France, along with anyone remotely familiar with its history.
This includes many celebrities, of course.
Scroll down to learn more about Notre Dame Cathedral and to see what these famous peoplea are saying about it…
What’s the History Here?
Construction on Notre Dame cathedral started in 1160 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was largely completed by 1260, although it was modified often in the following centuries.
You’ve Probably Seen It, Even If You Don’t Realize It
The cathedral ahs been the subject of or has inspired numerous works, such as Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and its 1996 Disney film adaption.
Move Over, Eiffel Tower
Approximately 12 million people visit Notre Dame annually, making it the most visited monument in Paris.
This is Awful. What Happened?
It’s not entirely clear, but construction next door appears to have played a role in the accidental fire. As you can see, Twitter has been keeping folks up to date with tragic updates.
Was Anyone Hurt?
No injuries or deaths were reported as a result of the fire, which broke out minutes after the church closed to the public for the day. Approximately 400 firefighters were deployed to the structure.
How Has Donald Trump Reacted?
In typically idiotic fashion, as you can see above.
What About Other Celebrities?
We’ll start with Lin-Manuel Miranda to prove that they did better.
Laura Dern
I’m weeping. Our gift of light. Notre Dame on fire. My heart is breaking. My grandmother’s and mother’s heart home.
Padma Lakshmi
Heartbroken.
Dua Lipa
So much history collapsing right before our eyes. Heartbroken for Notre-Dame and Paris.
Maisie Williams
Interrupting my birthday to express how much pain I’m in watching the Notre Dame fire unfold. Such an incredible building. I’m so sad.
Josh Groban
Watching the Notre-Dame fire with such sadness. Sending love to the people of France and hoping they get a handle on it soon. It has survived, and will survive.
Idris Elba
I cannot believe what’s happening to Notre Dame.
Ellie Goulding
Feel profoundly sad about this… so much lost in a few seconds … I am praying (which I don’t do often) for the fire to be contained soon …. utterly heartbreaking.
Camila Cabello
my heart is breaking seeing the fire at notre dame. I’ll never forget walking in the first time in Paris and being in awe of the beauty of it.
Barack Obama
Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can.