Basilica of Sacred Heart of Paris closes for first time in its history

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica or simply Sacré-Cœur, has shut its doors to the public for the first time in its history amidst the spread of the coronavirus in France. The basilica’s Rector, Father Jean Laverton, stated in a communiqué.

Report informs with reference to TASS.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica will stay closed until further notice, Father Jean Laverton said.

“We were forced to make such a decision after consultations with the Paris Archbishop on problems arising from the spread of coronavirus,” the rector added.

Father Jean Laverton noted that about 12 million people from all over the world visit the temple annually.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart was built in 1875-1914 on the top of Montmartre Hill. Now the temple is one of the most visited sights of Paris.

The coronavirus pandemic that emerged in China’s Hubei province in December 2019 continues to spread to more countries around the globe. Currently, the virus has spread to 180 countries and territories. The number of active coronavirus cases was over 9,300 in France on March 20.