Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris Reopens: Photos

Heads of state, religious leaders and other dignitaries attended the ceremonies on Saturday that marked the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Later, the renovated cathedral will open its doors to the public, an emotional moment for one of the world’s most recognizable monuments.

People from all over the world have been eagerly awaiting this celebration, which comes as France is mired in political turmoil.

Here’s a selection of photographs leading up to and during the reopening weekend.

French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo waiting for guests ahead of the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on Saturday.

Outgoing French Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his wife Isabelle Altmayer, left, sit inside Notre-Dame Cathedral along with former French President Francois Hollande and his wife Julie Gayet, right, on Saturday.

The scene outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday.

The South Rose window and organ ahead of the ceremony on Saturday.

Bishops sitting inside the cathedral on Saturday.

Guests arriving for the reopening ceremony on Saturday.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump arriving at the Elysee Palace in Paris to meet French president Emmanuel Macron ahead of the reopening ceremony on Saturday.

A new baptistery designed by French artist Guillaume Bardet at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony on Saturday.

Police officers on the watch in a narrow street near Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral before the reopening ceremony on Saturday.

Volunteers place leaflets on chairs prior to the reopening on Saturday.

Tight security is planned for the area around Notre-Dame, where police officers, journalists and others gathered on Saturday before the reopening.

Excitement has been building, including on Friday night, when the cathedral was lit up.

Visitors flocked to the monument on Friday in anticipation of the reopening.

Preparations were underway in Paris for the reopening of Notre-Dame well before the weekend.