CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert Iger announced Wednesday that Disney will donate $5 million to rebuilding the Notre Dame Cathedral.
The famous Cathedral caught fire Monday in Paris, France, burning the 850-year-old structure’s roof and spire. On Tuesday, two French billionaires promised to donate hundreds of millions of dollars for the recovery effort, and now Disney has committed $5 million to the cause. (RELATED: The Vatican Releases Statement On Notre Dame Fire)
“The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends & neighbors in Paris, with heartfelt support and a $5 million donation for the restoration of this masterpiece,” Iger said in a tweet.
.@notredameparis is a beacon of faith, hope & beauty, inspiring awe and reverence. The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends & neighbors in Paris, with heartfelt support and a $5 million donation for the restoration of this masterpiece.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) April 17, 2019
The shocking scene of the roughly 850-year-old Cathedral on fire was described by one person as “the end of the world.”
The roof was virtually waterproof due to its medieval, Gothic design to keep the structure from being damaged by rain, thus making it difficult for firefighters to put out the flames when the fire started. The walls of the cathedral, however, were spared, as well as many Sacraments and a number of priceless art pieces.
One of the most revered artifacts was rescued by a brave priest, who rushed into the burning cathedral to recover what he could. Father Jean-Marc Fournier was able to recover the “Crown of Thorns,” which was believed to have been worn by Jesus during the crucifixion.