World leaders react on Notre-Dame blaze

Paris: Various world leaders took to twitter to express their condolences and regrets after the Notre-Dame blaze in Paris.

US President Donald Trump wrote God bless the people of France after the tragedy.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said her thoughts were with the people of France and the fire fighters trying to calm the situation.

President of the European Council, Donald Tusk called on all 28 states to take part in the rebuilding process of the Notre-Dame. He compared it to the tragedy that took place in Gdansk.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed horror and sadness at the devastation of the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris as fire tore through the 12th-century symbol of faith and architectural brilliance, days just before the world will celebrate Easter.

The colossal fire swept through the famed cathedral in central Paris on Monday, causing a spire to collapse and threatening to destroy the entire masterpiece and its precious artworks. The fire, which began in the early evening, sent flames and huge clouds of grey smoke billowing into the Paris sky.

"Horrified by the pictures coming from Paris with the fire engulfing Notre-Dame Cathedral - a unique example of world heritage that has stood tall since the 14th century. My thoughts are with the people and government of France," Secretary-General Guterres said in a tweet as images began to flash on television and social media of a burning Notre- Dame Cathedral.

Pope Francis stands with France and is praying for Roman Catholics and Parisians alike after a devastating fire raged through the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral in the heart of the city," the Vatican said Tuesday.

"The pope is close to France, he is praying for French Catholics and for the people of Paris in face of the terrible fire which has ravaged Notre-Dame cathedral," the head of the Vatican press office Alessandro Gisotti wrote on Twitter. "He offers his prayers to those trying to face up to this dramatic situation," he added.

Audrey Azoulay, head of UNESCO – the Paris-based UN agency for education, science and culture – also expressed her "deep emotion in the face of this dramatic fire at the cathedral." Azoulay said that UNESCO is closely monitoring the situation and is standing by the French people's side to "safeguard and restore this invaluable heritage." The Organisation elevated Notre-Dame, widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture, to world heritage status in 1991.

The President of the General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said in a tweet that she is "deeply saddened” by the images of the burning Notre Dame Cathedral. One of the jewels of French and European cultural heritage, the cathedral was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. "I stand with the people and government of France," she said.