Former President Obama paid homage to the Notre Dame after a blaze tore through the famous cathedral on Monday, saying the Parisian landmark will be rebuilt “as strong as we can.”
“Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief,” Obama wrote in a social media post along with an image of him visiting the cathedral with his daughters, Sasha and Malia.
{mosads}A fire tore through the historic structure as Parisians and much of the world watched in horror. A Paris prosecutor has reportedly opened an investigation into the blaze, which is thought to be potentially tied to renovations underway at the building, much of which is under scaffolding, fire officials said.
The cathedral, which was built in the 12th century, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris. It attracts more than 10 million visitors a year.
President Trump tweeted that it was “horrible” to see the flames tear through the cathedral and suggested that “flying water tankers” be used to combat the fire.
“So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” he wrote. “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!”
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed sadness over the fire.
“Notre Dame of Paris in flames. Emotion for a whole nation. Thoughts for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our countrymen, I’m sad tonight to see this part of us burn,” he tweeted.