President Trump said Wednesday he spoke with Pope Francis and offered his condolences for the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Trump tweeted that he had a “wonderful” conversation with the Pope and “offered the help of our great experts on renovation and construction.”
Just had a wonderful conversation with @Pontifex Francis offering condolences from the People of the United States for the horrible and destructive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. I offered the help of our great experts on renovation and construction as I did….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2019
….in my conversation yesterday with President @EmmanuelMacron of France. I also wished both Pope Francis and President Macron a very Happy Easter!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2019
The president made a similar gesture to French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday.
“We stand with France today and offer our assistance in the rehabilitation of this irreplaceable symbol of Western civilization,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.
Macron has said the Parisian landmark will be rebuilt. Hundreds of millions of euros have already been pledged to rebuild the cathedral.
On Monday, the day of the fire, Trump called Notre Dame Cathedral “one of the greatest treasures” of the world.
“It’s a part of our culture. It’s a part of our lives. That’s a truly great cathedral, and I’ve been there, and I’ve seen it,” he said. “There’s probably no cathedral in the world like it. It’s a terrible scene.”
The White House said later Wednesday that Trump and the pope also spoke about “alleviating the suffering of the Venezuelan people and leading the country to a democratic transition.” The Trump administration has recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s legitimate interim president as President Nicolás Maduro clings to power.
Francis said earlier this year he was open to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
