Shocking news struck the people of Paris when a major fire erupted at the Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15.

This building was being renovated is still burning. Citizens stood by and watched as the iconic spire at the top of the cathedral collapsed into ashes.

“Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame,” said a Notre Dame spokesperson.

A security perimeter was set up by firefighters who arrived on the scene with four large ladders and two aerial lift arms. By Monday evening, Paris fire chief, Jean-Claude Gallet, told reporters that he believed his men managed to save the rectangular towers from the blaze.

Pedestrians flooded the scene to watch the blaze, some with visible tears. It’s not just the external stone building that was in danger. The scores of religious artifacts such as ancient stained-glass rose windows, organs and church bells, as well as holy relics and 900 years of history were also in danger.

A crowd later gathered together that evening to sing “Ave Maria” near the cathedral.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared “—we will rebuild this cathedral all together. This is probably part of the French destiny.”

Videos and photos have been posted across social media since the incident began, and users expressed their feelings.

One user wrote, “It feels like the end of the world.”

Public figures took the time to speak out on Twitter such as President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama.

The cause of what may have started the fire is a mystery. Authorities have yet to release any information on the cause of it and remain investigating. Assumptions have been made that potentially it was the renovation of the building that began the blaze in the rafters.

No one was scheduled to work there that hour when the fire broke out, so currently, there have been no reported injuries or deaths.

This is a culturally devastating moment for both Paris and the rest of the world mourning with them. 900 years of history of people pilgrimaging there, worshiping there, and touring there have been tainted by this fire.

Renovating Notre Dame Cathedral cannot replace the everlasting and priceless spirit it had held in the very heart of France.

A true tragedy for the world and all we can do is mourn with them.

Update: The fire was distinguished on April 16. Still, no cause of the fire has been stated, but there is no suspicion of terrorism.