Pope Leo XIV has blessed the Tower of Jesus Christ on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death, making the Sagrada Familia the world’s tallest church.
The Tower of Jesus Christ rises to 172.5 metres.
After as many as 143 years of its spectacular construction, the globally well known iconic Barcelona’s historical basilica has now reached this milestone.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882. Antoni Gaudí took over the project the following year, transforming it into the visionary temple that would define his life’s work.
Upon his arrival, the Holy Father was welcomed by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain; the President of the Government of Spain; the President of the Government of Catalonia; Cardinal Joan Josep Omella i Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona; and Esteve Camps, Executive Chairman of the Junta Constructora de la Sagrada Família.
Before the celebration, Pope Leo XIV visited several significant spaces in the Basilica, including the crypt, where he prayed at Antoni Gaudí’s tomb.
At 8:00 pm, the Pope presided over the solemn Mass before more than 8,500 people, with 4,500 gathered inside the Basilica and 4,000 outside, joined by Spain’s monarchs and prime minister. Thousands more followed the celebration on large screens set up across Barcelona and through the international broadcast,
The celebration culminated with the Pope’s blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ. After the blessing, the Basilica was illuminated in a finale of light and colour, rising from the ground to the first lighting of the cross.
A drone-guided light show then formed the figure of Gaudí and the phrase “Primer l’amor, després la tècnica” — “First love, then technique.”
To conclude the visit, Pope Leo XIV unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion.
The Pope hailed the basilica as a sign of unity and harmony, and a testament to art and beauty as channels of evangelisation.
This historic moment was also a gesture of gratitude to the five generations of architects, artisans, builders, donors and visitors who, over more than a century, have contributed to bringing Gaudí’s vision closer to completion.
(Picture Courtesy: AP)
