Jean-Louis Georgelin, the esteemed French general overseeing the extensive restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, has passed away at the age of 74. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his admiration for Georgelin, describing him as one of France’s greatest soldiers and servants, who diligently worked to restore the wounded beauty of Notre Dame. Prior to his involvement in the cathedral project, Georgelin had an illustrious career as the chief of France’s military general staff, overseeing operations in regions such as Afghanistan and the Balkans.
Local news reports indicated that Georgelin passed away while hiking in the Pyrenees, most likely due to an accident. His body was discovered in the Ariege region near the village of Bordes-Uchentein. The cause of death has not been specified as of yet.
Macron released a statement honoring Georgelin’s life and noted his fondness for the mountains, stating that he always had a propensity for reaching great heights. However, no further details regarding the circumstances of his death were provided.
Georgelin, born on August 30, 1948, received his education at the esteemed Saint-Cyr military high school. He then served in various military regiments and branches, including infantry, parachuting, and military intelligence. Additionally, he pursued further studies at the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College in Kansas and later became the personal military chief to the late President Jacques Chirac. From 2006 to 2010, he held the position of chief of staff of the French military.
Following the devastating fire in 2019 that destroyed Notre Dame’s spire and roof, Macron appointed Georgelin to lead the restoration efforts. Skilled artisans from all over France are employing medieval techniques and materials to rebuild this iconic Gothic structure.
Significant progress has been made in the restoration, with the 300-foot spire set to be placed atop the cathedral gradually throughout this year. Georgelin regarded this development as a symbol of triumph for the restoration project. In July, he discussed the work being done during an interview with CBS News, expressing his emotions and emphasizing the importance of the spire reconstruction as a pivotal phase in the cathedral’s restoration.
The reconstruction team meticulously follows the 19th-century plans by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc to ensure the exact replication of the original spire. After creating 320 different versions of the new spire, they finally achieved the desired outcome. Georgelin highlighted the utilization of modern technology, including computers, in the reconstruction process, which provides greater precision and certainty compared to the past.
Macron expressed his regret that Georgelin will not witness the reopening of Notre Dame with his own eyes. However, he assured that when the cathedral reopens on December 8, 2024, Georgelin’s presence will be felt.
The passing of Jean-Louis Georgelin is an immense loss for the restoration project and the nation as a whole. His dedication and leadership in rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral will forever be remembered and appreciated.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
