Several historic and iconic monuments rise out of the Parisian skyline: the Eiffel Tower, spires of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Les Invalides’ gold gilded dome that houses the tomb of Napoleon. Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Paris central is now home to 2.2 million people, while the expanding population of the Paris metropolitan area is well over 12 million. IMB Photo

Tourists walk in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notre-Dame is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

Just outside Notre-Dame Cathedral, locks are fixed to a bridge over the river Seine. Couples put locks on the bridge with their names or initials on it and then toss the key in the river. IMB Photo

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

A tourist smokes a pipe in front of the statue of Synagogua, which represents the Jewish synagogue. The statue sits in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral opposite the statue of Iglesia (not pictured), who represents the church. Iglesia depicts a stately Christian church, head crowned, powerful staff firmly in hand. Synagogua has a snake wrapped around her eyes. By displaying the statue, the church wanted to let people know she was damaged goods, blinded by evil. Her staff is broken, and her tablets are broken. It’s a message the Jews have never forgotten. IMB Photo

A service takes place inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notre-Dame is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is also Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is also Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

A couple light a candle for a loved one following a mass held at Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

A priest reads scripture during mass in Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and France. IMB Photo

A youth choir performs during mass in Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

As seen from the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

As seen from the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

Street scenes around Toulouse, France.

A man takes a break from repairing the cobblestone on the square in front of St. Stephen Cathedral in Budapest, Hungary. Historical religious buildings are found throughout Europe and have become popular tourist spots. Religion in Europe, however, has faded into a world of secularism. Europe is the most lost continent on earth with less than 1% evangelical Christians.

Religious artifacts sit on a table inside Dominus Flevit Church, also known as Tear Drop Church. Dominus Flevit is a direct translation of ‘The Lord Cried.’ The Catholic Church is next to the Mount of Olives and is along the path known as The Palm Sunday Walk. The present church was built in 1952 and stands over the site where tradition has it that Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem.

A woman lights candles outside the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem as she waits to enter. The tomb is next to Calvary, or Golgatha, and in close proximity to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church is built around what is believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified and the tomb (sepulchre) where He was buried.

Portrait of a woman at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church is built around what is believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is an important pilgrimage destination and thousands visit every day.

The Chapel of St. Paul is a modern stone chapel in Damascus that incorporates materials from the Bab Kisan, the ancient city gate through which Paul was hidden and lowered out of a window in Acts 9:25 when he was threatened to be killed by the Jews.

A missionary family visits a cathedral in Europe.