THE devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris brought shock and sorrow to France and the rest of the world.

Like Parisians that have been distraught by the terrible tragedy, world leaders expressed sorrow and grief in a deluge of messages.

President Xi Jinping yesterday sent a condolence message to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, after the fire.

Like the French people, the Chinese people were also deeply saddened by the devastating fire, Xi said.

“Notre Dame belonged to all humanity. What a tragic spectacle. What horror. I share the French nation’s sadness,” tweeted Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Union’s executive Commission.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the pictures of the burning Notre Dame were “horrible,” and described Notre Dame as a “symbol of France and our European culture.”

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has expressed her deep sadness and sent a message of support to the people of France.   (Xinhua)