Daily Mail

Should Notre Dame be rebuilt at any cost?

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WILL the billionair­es who have pledged millions to rebuild Notre Dame give the same kind of money to the huge number of people suffering poverty and hardship all over the world? Surely we have to balance preserving the world’s history with the desperate needs of the present. The money pledged to restore one cathedral could build many schools in areas of deprivatio­n and feed thousands of children. This would be a more appropriat­e legacy, in keeping with the Christian faith that built this beautiful building.

SUSAN FELLA, Enfield, Middlesex. THE horrific sight of Notre Dame on fire once again highlights the dangers facing our historic buildings. This cathedral has been a beacon of light for 800 years. This isn’t just a loss to France, it’s a loss to the world. There must be an internatio­nal effort to enable Notre Dame to rise from the ashes.

S. T. VAUGHAN, Birmingham.

THE French have been fractured by the yellow vest protests and their disaffecti­on with President Macron. Now, the Notre Dame disaster has united them. It shows that presidents are only temporary, while the love felt for an icon such as Notre Dame is eternal. This is a lesson in

humility — and I would hope all those in charge will take note of it.

M. HILDER, Weymouth, Dorset. HOW sad to see the terrible damage to one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. But the twin towers of Notre Dame still stand proud, like the French people.

DENNIS GIMES, London W14.

I AM shocked by the amount of money being pledged to rebuild Notre Dame against the backdrop of starving, homeless people throughout the world. Charities who try to help the destitute have to go begging. For all its historical value and beauty, Notre Dame is just a building.

ROD EAST, Milford-on-Sea, Hants.

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