French President says he wants Notre Dame Cathedral rebuilt in 5 years

Even as officials continued to assess the damage and search for a cause in the massive fire that completely destroyed its roof of Notre Dame Cathedral, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised national address to his country Tuesday evening that he wants to see the cathedral rebuilt within five years.

"We will rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral even more beautiful," Macron said.

He thanked the firefighters who battled the blaze for hours Monday night and into Tuesday before bringing the inferno under control, and expressed appreciation for the donations pouring in from around the world.

"We have so much to rebuild," said Macron. He added that France has endured revolutions and wars -- and "we've always rebuilt."

The fire broke out at 6:50 p.m. local time Monday and quickly spread along the roof of the cathedral, which was undergoing a $170 million renovation was partially encased in scaffolding. It took firefighters hours to bring the fire under control as much of nave was constructed of ancient timbers that fueled the flame and came crashing through the roof.