If you’ve been to Europe, you’ve seen it–Catholicism wears a different face in different countries. In Italy, the churches are colorful and joyful. In Spain, the atmosphere is grim and determined–the Reconquista continues! In France, it’s mostly about anger and bitterness. The Church lost the Revolution (the ultimate in the culture wars), and they don’t want you to forget it.
Notre-Dame was different. It was treated as a symbol of national unity; everyone was welcome, and felt comfortable there. There was no hint of bitterness.
That’s part of what makes this so painful.