Notre Dame cathedral to reopen after five years of restoration and controversy

Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris will officially reopen on Saturday after over five years of reconstruction. The restoration has seen remarkable recoveries of artifacts, including a rooster statue and a gold cross, which survived the devastating fire in April 2019. The rebuilding process has faced controversies, including debates over architectural design and health concerns related to lead pollution from the fire. A criminal complaint has been filed against authorities for potential negligence in protecting local residents from contamination. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has proposed charging a five-euro entry fee for visitors, which would support repairs for other churches in France. This idea has faced criticism from church leaders who argue that churches should remain free and accessible to all.