Pope Francis on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the people of France following the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday.

The Pope wrote on his official Twitter handle, "Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDame"

A deadly blaze engulfed the historic cathedral in France on Monday afternoon (local time), taking down the structure's famous spire, much to the horror of onlookers and world community alike.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conveyed his shock and sadness on the devastation caused by the fire, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar wrote on Twitter.

In a letter written to the French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi "expressed India's solidarity with the President and people of France on this national loss."

The cathedral houses a few of the most coveted relics in Christianity, including the Holy Crown, which many believe to be from the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus. Catholics have prayed to the crown at the Notre Dame Cathedral for more than 16 centuries now, as per the cathedral.

The fire was declared fully extinguished some 15 hours after it began. French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to reconstruct the historic building.

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