Dolan, Cuomo And More Speak Out About Notre Dame Cathedral Fire
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The huge fire that demolished the roof and spire of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has triggered an outpouring of emotion worldwide.
Web Extra: Timothy Cardinal Dolan On Notre Dame Fire
"I just went next door to our own beloved Cathedral, Saint Patrick's, to ask the intercession of Notre Dame, our Lady, for the Cathedral at the heart of Paris, and of civilization, now in flames! God preserve this splendid house of prayer, and protect those battling the blaze." Timothy Cardinal Dolan posted on Twitter.
"New York aches. Our prayers are with the people of France and the first responders," Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted.
PHOTOS: Fire engulfs Notre Dame Cathedral In Paris
"Heartbreaking to see such tragic footage of Notre Dame right now. Sending solidarity to my friend Mayor Anne Hidalgo and to the people of a city as resilient as our own. New York City is mourning with Paris," wrote Mayor Bill de Blasio on Twitter.
"Images of Notre Dame in flames are an awful sight to behold. The thoughts of the FDNY are with the members of the Pompiers Paris as they bravely battle this terrible fire in one of the world's most beautiful and historic houses of worship," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
"Tragic to see burning and destruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris," tweeted Rep. Peter King.
"I am heartbroken to hear of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. This is a tragedy for not just the French people, but many faithful Christians at the start of Holy Week," City Council Speaker Corey Johnson tweeted. "On behalf of all of the City Council, we extend our deepest condolences to France."
"The horrific fire that is engulfing the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is shocking and saddens us all, for this particular cathedral is not only a majestic Church, it is also a world treasure. Noble in architecture and art, it has long been a symbol of the transcendent human spirit as well as our longing for God," sauid Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "Our hearts go out to the Archbishop and the people of Paris, and we pray for all the people of France, entrusting all to the prayers and intercession of the Mother of God, especially the firefighters battling the fire. We are a people of hope and of the resurrection, and as devastating as this fire is, I know that the faith and love embodied by this magnificent Cathedral will grow stronger in the hearts of all Christians."
President Donald Trump spoke out about the blaze.
"So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!"
French officials responded on Twitter.
"Hundreds of firemen of the Paris Fire Brigade are doing everything they can to bring the terrible Notre Dame fire under control. All means are being used, except for water-bombing aircrafts, which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral," French Civil Security tweeted.
Speaking in Minnesota, Trump said it was a "terrible, terrible fire."
"It's one of the great treasures in the world," Trump said. "It's a terrible sight to behold."
First Lady Melania Trump also reacted on Twitter.
"My heart breaks for the people of Paris after seeing the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Praying for everyone's safety," she wrote.
The fire at Notre Dame occurred after a fire broke out this weekend at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights.
"Notre Dame towers over the Parisian skyline physically, culturally, and symbolically," said Sen. Chuck Schumer. "There are no words that can describe the sense of loss humanity feels today."
