Notre-Dame fire: Metropolitan bishop Iosif of Western and Southern Europe standing in solidarity with France

Christian Orthodox Metropolitan Bishop Iosif of Western and Southern Europe is standing in solidarity with the French people, the Roman Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Paris in the aftermath of the fire that affected the Notre Dame Cathedral, basilica.ro. reports.

"We are deeply saddened by the catastrophe that strikes the capital of France. It is about a symbol that is assumed to be a world landmark that transcends religious affiliation or beliefs. A witness along centuries to the construction of the Christian Europe, in its entire historical and cultural complexity, is melting now under the burden of unforgivable flames. Our hearts go out to the Roman Catholic Church and the entire French people in these moments of great pain, experiencing in advance the passions of our Saviour," the bishop said Tuesday in a message on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Metropolitan Bishopric of Western and Southern Europe