In brief
In a solemn yet celebratory event, the Crown of Thorns, a revered artifact believed to have been placed on Jesus Christ's head during the crucifixion, was restored to the newly renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, led the ceremony where the relic, encased in a crystal and gold tube, found its home anew after five years. Originally acquired by King Louis IX in 1239, the crown has seen a tumultuous journey, surviving not only a ravaging fire that damaged the 850-year-old cathedral but also a temporary placement at the Louvre. This intricate piece of history has been safely housed in a new reliquary since the fire, ensuring its preservation alongside the cathedral’s rich heritage. The public will have access to view this emblematic relic beginning January 10.
