“The gratitude of the entire Church goes to those who did everything in their power to save the basilica, even risking their lives,” he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square for his general audience, Reuters reports.
Notre-Dame’s spire was destroyed and its roof gutted but the bell towers were still standing and many valuable art works were saved after more than 400 firemen contained Monday’s blaze.
The Vatican has said it is willing to offer restoration know-how to help rebuild the fire-damaged landmark.