Rabat - Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has been invited to the inauguration ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, scheduled for December 7, according to the French radio station Europe 1.
The prestigious event, which marks the reopening of the iconic cathedral, is set to host several high-profile international figures.
In addition to King Mohammed VI, the guest list includes US President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, as well as European monarchs such as King Charles III of the United Kingdom and King Felipe VI of Spain.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is also on the list as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“The list of invited personalities has been meticulously prepared by the Élysée and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” a source close to the matter told Europe 1, adding that it includes over a hundred prominent individuals.
The French authorities are making extensive preparations to ensure the success of the event, with a heightened security presence.
Religious leaders are also set to attend, including New York Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.
The attendance of these figures reflects the global importance of the ceremony, which is expected to be a historical moment for France, drawing comparisons to other major international events, including the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
While many of the invited dignitaries have yet to confirm their attendance, France is confident that the event will be a grand occasion.
Authorities have already mobilized additional police officers to ensure the safety and smooth execution of the ceremony. “We will not take any chances,” an official told Europe 1, regarding the high-security measures in place for this momentous occasion.
A devastating fire struck Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in April 2019, badly damaging the roof and leaving people around the world in shock.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Moroccan government, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, has made a financial contribution to support the cathedral's restoration efforts.