France had previously reversed plans for the restoration’s completion before the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games prior to the death of project overseer General Jean-Louis Georgelin in August. The replacement of the original 19th-century spire was heavily debated before officials decided on a historically accurate timber and lead reconstruction, which was done without the adorning sculptural relics and a copper rooster figurine. Both outstanding elements are expected to be added later, along with contemporary stained glass windows.

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Now, with interior clean-ups and ceiling vault reconstructions also completed, an army of 500 will turn to exterior renovations and the installation of a new fire protection system and roof coverings. 

As reported by the NYT, the collapse of Notre Dame's spire during the tragic fire deeply affected both Parisians on-site and a global audience via television. This event dramatically symbolized the fire's ravaging effects. However, the ongoing reconstruction of the spire now stands as a testament to the cathedral's resilience and renewal.

Notre Dame Cathedral will formally re-open to worshippers on December 8, 2024. The cause of the 2019 fire remains unknown.