In shadow of burned Notre-Dame, Paris Catholics pray for Easter renewal

With Notre-Dame sealed off because of the fire damage, French Catholics attended Easter mass in Saint-Eustache church in Paris. [AFP]

French Catholics on Sunday celebrated Easter mass in Paris in the shadow of the badly burned Notre-Dame Cathedral, praying that the landmark monument -- and along with it the entire Catholic Church -- can be renewed.

The fire at Notre-Dame six days earlier destroyed the cathedral's spire and two-thirds of its roof. The damaged building is now to be closed for years to visits and worship.