Notre Dame fire: Authorities form human chain to save crown of thorns and other relics

Precious relics saved from the Notre Dame Cathedral fire. Photo: Anne Hildago/Twitter

French authorities formed a human chain to save some of Notre Dame's most precious relics as flames engulfed the cathedral, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said Monday night.

The crown of thorns, the tunic of Saint Louis and many other major works are now in a safe place."

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Why it matters: The relics that were saved are priceless. The tunic of Saint Louis dates back to the 13th century. The the crown of thorns was brought to Paris in the 13th century by French King Louis IX (St. Louis). Christians believe the crown was placed on Jesus Christ's head at crucifixion, according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Details: Father Fournier, chaplain of the Paris Firefighters, is credited with saving some of the Cathedral's most precious relics.

Father Fournier

The Fire Department Chaplain

Is the man who saved the Blessed Sacrament and Crown of Thorns from the fire

God bless him! #notredame #france pic.twitter.com/zwSq2seI3Q

— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) April 15, 2019

Go deeper: Notre Dame fire: See inside after the terrible blaze