France promises to rebuild iconic church after devastating blaze

We will rebuild. That was the message President Emmanuel Macron had for the people of France, as they and the world watched in shock when the historic Notre Dame cathedral burned Monday. Speaking from the scene of the fire in the French capital Paris, Macron described the fire at the 850-year-old Gothic masterpiece as a "terrible tragedy," but added the "worst had been avoided." "I'm telling you all tonight -- we will rebuild this cathedral together. This is probably part of the French destiny," he said. "Starting tomorrow, a national donation scheme will be started that will extend beyond our borders." The fire broke out Monday evening and raged for several hours before 400 firefighters, working with skill and precision to avoid further damage to the medieval landmark, managed to bring it under control. They were unable to save the spire, however, which burned to a blackened shell before finally toppling as thousands of Parisians who had gathered in the streets watched in horror. Most of the roof was also destroyed. "Notre Dame is our history, it's our literature, it's our imagery. It's the place where we live our greatest moments, from wars to pandemics to liberations," Macron said. "This history is ours. And it burns. It burns and I know the sadness so many of our fellow French feel," said Macron.