#EU #Spain – Pope Leo XIV presided over a historic Solemn Mass at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família on Wednesday evening, commemorating the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death and inaugurating the basilica’s central Tower of Jesus Christ, which now makes the iconic structure the tallest church in the world.
The event marked a major milestone in the 144-year construction of Gaudí’s masterpiece. Gaudí, often called “God’s architect,” died on June 10, 1926, after being struck by a tram near the basilica site while en route to prayer. He had devoted the final years of his life almost exclusively to the project.
Tens of thousands of faithful lined the streets of Barcelona as the Pope arrived. Inside the basilica, around 8,000 worshippers — including Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Catalan authorities, and hundreds of bishops — attended the Mass. The Pope described the Sagrada Família as a masterpiece of “stones, colors and light” and a spiritual guide for the faithful.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV blessed and inaugurated the completed Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest of the basilica’s 18 planned towers. Standing at approximately 172.5 meters (566 feet), the tower’s external structure, topped by a cross installed earlier in February 2026, now crowns the building and surpasses all other churches in height.
The ceremony carried deep symbolic weight, aligning the completion of Gaudí’s visionary central spire with the centenary of his passing. A floral tribute was also laid at Gaudí’s tomb within the basilica earlier in the day.
The evening concluded with a spectacular public celebration featuring lights, music, choral performances, and fireworks that illuminated the basilica’s intricate facades. Drones reportedly traced Gaudí’s image across the night sky.
This event formed the centerpiece of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit to Spain (June 6–12), which also included stops in Madrid and the Canary Islands focused on migration issues. The Pope, the first American pontiff, delivered parts of his remarks in Catalan and Spanish.
Construction on the Sagrada Família began in 1882. While the major towers are now structurally complete, interior and decorative work is expected to continue for several more years. Wednesday’s inauguration represented a decisive step toward the long-awaited full realization of Gaudí’s dream.
The day passed without incident, drawing global attention and widespread acclaim as both a religious and cultural triumph for Barcelona and the Catholic Church.
Image: Sagrada Família’s inauguration with fireworks on June 10th, 2026.
