French billionaire Francois Pinault and son Francois-Henri Pinault have officially signed documents setting aside 100 million euros (USD 109 million) toward rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral, following months of delay that left officials largely reliant on small charity donations to fund the first phase of repairs.
Surrounded by portraits of former cardinals, the Pinaults signed the donation agreement at the Archdiocese of Paris Tuesday.
The money will give the Notre Dame Foundation a much-awaited financial boost as authorities draw up plans for the cathedral's reconstruction, following the devastating fire on April 15.
Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit says "everyone gives what he can according to his needs, but the big donors give us breathing room."
"It launched a movement that is still ongoing, because we still have 140 donations a week."