As the famed Notre Dame cathedral burned on Monday (April 15), a large crowd of Parisians assembled near the famous landmark to sing “Ave Maria” in mourning.
In a video that has now gone viral on Twitter, the gathered passersby stare in disbelief as the centuries-old Catholic holy site is engulfed in flames, their harmonies floating over the scene with a haunting and reverential air.
While the cause of the fire remains unclear, French officials were able to contain the blaze and save Notre Dame from total destruction, and the building has now been declared safe from further damage. While Notre Dame’s famous towers remain standing, the cathedral’s ancient spire, roof and much of its interior suffered massive devastation in the flames.
Watch the footage of the emotional moment below.
Ave Maria pic.twitter.com/lb6Y5XV05a
— Ignacio Gil (@Inaki_Gil) April 15, 2019