News Agencies – August 23, 2010
A new gargoyle was placed on the exterior of the Lyon cathedral in honor of Benzizine Ahmed, the Muslim foreman who led the restoration work on the cathedral tower. Below the gargoyle a message – “Allah Akbar” (God is greatest) in both Arabic and French – is inscribed.
The diocese spokespeople said that the builders sometimes take certain liberties outside the sacred area. Repellin Didier, head architect for historical monuments, says the stonemasons and sculptures of the cathedral have a tradition to portray the people they esteem. Ahmed, who worked for 30 years on the cathedral, is competent and very humble. A quiet man who is appreciated. It’s a beautiful human gesture, says Didier.
