Thousands of people gathered in Barcelona on Wednesday as Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed central tower of the Sagrada Família, marking a major milestone in the construction of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic basilica. Get today's headlines by email The ceremony, attended by members of the Spanish royal family, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and hundreds of bishops, celebrated the completion of the Jesus Christ tower, the tallest of the church’s 18 towers. At 172.5 metres, the basilica has now reached its intended height, becoming both the tallest church in the world and the tallest building in Barcelona. Historic milestone for Gaudí’s basilicaThe Sagrada Família, whose construction began in 1882, was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Although the structure has achieved its full height, major work on the main entrance and surrounding areas remains unfinished. Pope calls church a symbol of an ongoing journeyDuring a Mass inside the basilica, Pope Leo addressed worshippers in Spanish and Catalan, describing the Sagrada Família as more than a monument. He said the church remained “a work in progress”, reflecting a spiritual journey that continues throughout life. The pontiff also delivered a message of peace, saying Christians should reject violence and the killing of innocent people. Picture courtesy of The Guardian Before the service, Leo visited Gaudí’s tomb in the crypt beneath the basilica, where he lit a candle and prayed. Many worshippers had arrived along the pope’s route hours before his appearance. Among them were Ramón and Marisa, residents of nearby L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, who said they were delighted by the visit and compared Leo favourably to Pope John Paul II. Others viewed the occasion through a broader political lens. Rosmira Pasadis, a Venezuelan living in Barcelona, said she hoped the pope would continue advocating for political prisoners and freedom in Venezuela. City disrupted as crowds gatherExtensive security measures accompanied the visit, with road closures and the shutdown of several metro stations causing disruption across Barcelona. Only invited guests were allowed close to the basilica itself, but nearby streets were packed with spectators and pilgrims. Police estimated that around 70,000 people lined the pope’s route through the city. Picture courtesy of The Guardian The event formed part of a busy programme that also included meetings with Catalan officials, a visit to a high-security prison, prayers at the Montserrat monastery and appeals for unity in Catalonia. Debate over Gaudí’s vision continuesThe celebration coincided with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Often referred to as “God’s architect”, he devoted the final years of his life almost exclusively to the Sagrada Família, envisioning it as a place that would speak to both believers and ordinary citizens through architecture and symbolism. Yet debate continues over whether the modern structure accurately reflects Gaudí’s intentions. Critics have questioned aspects of the posthumous construction for decades, arguing that later architects have altered the original concept. Jordi Faulí, the chief architect overseeing the project, maintains that surviving plans, models and instructions provide enough guidance to complete the basilica in line with Gaudí’s vision. Although the tower project is finished, work on the vast Glory façade is expected to continue for another decade. Plans for a monumental stairway leading to the entrance remain controversial because they could require the relocation of large numbers of local residents. Tourism and sainthood prospectsThe Sagrada Família attracts around five million visitors annually, making it one of Spain’s most visited landmarks. Last year, Pope Francis advanced Gaudí’s cause for sainthood by declaring him “venerable”, an early stage in the canonisation process. If Gaudí is eventually beatified, the basilica could gain additional significance as a pilgrimage site alongside its role as a major tourist attraction. Barcelona tourism chief Mateu Hernández described the church as a global symbol on a par with some of the world’s most recognisable monuments. Whether Pope Leo’s visit will strengthen the city’s religious identity remains uncertain, but the blessing of the final tower marks a defining chapter in the long history of one of the world’s most remarkable architectural projects. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026
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