Social media reaction after fire engulfs Notre Dame Cathedral

April 15-- Apr. 15--As millions of people around the globe watch the devastating images of the blaze at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, world leaders, celebrities and ordinary citizens who have visited the iconic church have taken to social media to share their thoughts on Monday's tragedy.

Vice President Mike Pence, who once served as a Catholic youth minister, said he was heartbroken.

Benjamin Haddad, director of the American Council think tank, noted that the building survived major battles over the centuries, including World War II.

President Trump called the blaze "horrible to watch" and even offered advice to France's emergency officials.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the whole nation was emotional and sent his thoughts to all Catholics and everyone in France.

Actor James Woods said watching the blaze was a "knife to the heart."

Jamie Grayson, a New York City entrepreneur, was one of many Instagram users who shared details of their visits to the cathedral. Grayson described the church, which is the fictional home of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," a world symbol and a piece of his childhood.

Former President Barack Obama shared a photo of his family inside what he called "one of the world's great treasures."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Notre Dame a symbol of unity.

Katie Lowe, a book author who said she visited the church exactly a year ago, described the scale of the loss as "completely devastating."

Sophie Gilbert, a writer for The Atlantic, shared a picture of the "extraordinary" church that she said was taken Sunday.

First Lady Melania Trump said she was praying for everyone's safety.

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