Catholic news editor John Allen Jr. told Hill.TV on Tuesday that it is unlikely that Pope Francis will make a Holy Week visit to Notre Dame Cathedral in the wake of Monday’s massive fire, but added that he wouldn’t rule it out.
“There has been some speculation about it,” Allen Jr., the president of Crux media, told hosts Krystal Ball and Buck Sexton on “Rising.” “I think it is a real long shot because, of course, Pope Francis is scheduled to lead Holy Week ceremonies here in Rome this week.”
“He’s supposed to do the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass, the foot-washing ceremony, the Good Friday Via Crucis Procession at Rome’s Colosseum, and then, of course, the high Easter Sunday mass,” he continued.
“So it is deeply unlikely. However, having covered Francis for six years, the one thing that I can tell you is that the fact that something is unlikely doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen,” he said. “So all I can tell you is, stay tuned.”
The massive fire engulfed much of the cathedral, which is part of an active Catholic parish, on Monday, destroying its spire and iconic stained glass windows.
Authorities initially thought the entire structure would be destroyed, but much of the cathedral remains intact, including the bell towers.
The pope addressed the fire, tweeting that he was praying for the French people.
“Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us,” he tweeted.
— Julia Manchester
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