Mathieu Lours is an architectural historian and specialist in cathedrals. The fire at Notre-Dame de Paris moved the whole world and the cathedral acquired a universal dimension, he says.
Lours: The fire was not intentional and was not caused by an attack. Symbolically, and politically, it embodies nothing, except, perhaps, our inability to take care of monuments and ensure their safety, Lours says. He is also the author of Cathedrals in the World: Between religion, nation and power (Folio, “Unpublished history”), published by Simon & Schuster, priced £16.99. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.