French President Macron wants to see the Notre Dame rebuilt within five years

PARIS (AP) - French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to see the fire-ravaged Notre Dame cathedral to be rebuilt within five years.

Macron said Tuesday in a televised address to the nation that "we will rebuild Notre Dame cathedral even more beautiful."

He added that "we can do it and once again, we will mobilize" to do so.

Macron, who also said "we have so much to rebuild," thanked firefighters and police and donors who are giving money for the renovation.

RELATED: Notre Dame Cathedral fire: Cross remains, historic artwork and religious relics safe from damage

The fire at the Notre Dame began late Monday afternoon and eventually caused a 315-foot spire to collapse, which at the time was part of a $6.8 million renovation. Paris fire commander Jean-Claude Gallet said two-thirds of the historic church's roofing was destroyed.

While authorities said the cause of the inferno is unknown, investigators began treating it as an accident based on preliminary information. Authorities were also investigating whether the construction was a factor in the fire.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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