Arizona political leaders heartbroken over Notre Dame Cathedral fire

PHOENIX – The shock of seeing flames destroying the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday spread all the way to Arizona, as the state’s political leaders expressed sadness and sympathy.

Gov. Doug Ducey sent the state’s prayers to Paris while retweeting a video of people solemnly singing “Ave Maria” as the architectural treasure burned in the distance.

Sending Arizona’s prayers… https://t.co/CHM2ADkRS9

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) April 15, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martha McSally and Rep. Ruben Gallego both called the situation “heartbreaking.”

Heartbreaking to see the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. My prayers go out to the firefighters, the city of Paris, & the people of France.

— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) April 15, 2019

Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the people of Paris today. Praying for everyone's safety. https://t.co/nwjU7IPfQC

— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) April 15, 2019

Rep. David Schweikert recalled the joy of attending mass at the famous tourist attraction.

Joyce and I have had the joy of attending mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, today is one of great sadness. 🙏🏻

— Rep David Schweikert (@RepDavid) April 15, 2019

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick called Our Lady of Paris, the English translation of the cathedral’s French name, “a symbol of France.”

Notre-Dame Cathedral is more than a medieval religious landmark, it’s a symbol of France. It’s a destination and time capsule for the millions of people that visit her each year. My heart goes out to the French people and prayers for, Our Lady of Paris. #Paris #NotreDameCathedral

— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) April 15, 2019

Monday’s blaze collapsed the cathedral’s spire and spread to one of its landmark rectangular towers, but Paris fire chief Jean-Claude Gallet said the church’s structure had been saved after firefighters managed to stop the fire spreading to the northern belfry.

The exact cause of the blaze was not known, but French media quoted the Paris fire brigade as saying the fire is “potentially linked” to a $6.8 million renovation project on the church’s spire and its 250 tons of lead. The Paris prosecutors’ office ruled out arson and possible terror-related motives.

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to rebuild the church.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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