Paris – John XXIII - 4me

Plate XXXII – John XXIII Square…

Following the demolition of a number of crumbling mediaeval houses, along with the vandalized Palace of the Archbishop of Paris, a public garden was established behind the apse at the eastern end of Notre Dame in 1844.

This garden square is named after Pope John XXIII who reigned from 1958 until his death in 1963. Considered by many to be the first progressive Pope of modern times, and along with John Paul II one of the most popular of pontiffs, even I - though non-Catholic and far removed from Vatican life - recall the outpouring of public grief at his passing. He was beatified in 2000. 

Planted with a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and centred by the Gothic Fountain of the Virgin by the sculptor Vigoureux, the spot is a favourite among city birdwatchers, and is an observation point for watching the kestrels which nest here annually. It is a tranquil spot to escape the bustle and the noise of the city.

Although Notre Dame remains state property, its exclusive use is granted to the Roman Catholic Church, so freed from the burdens of the building’s maintenance.