Pope Leo XIV Blesses Sagrada Familia’s Tower of Jesus Christ on Gaudí Centenary
Barcelona, Spain — On June 10, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the Sagrada Familia Basilica, marking the centenary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926).
The Ceremony
During a Mass attended by Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ. At 172.5 meters, this tower makes the church the tallest in the world.
An estimated 120,000 people gathered in the surrounding streets. Following the Mass, the Pope visited Gaudí's tomb in the crypt. A blind girl named Valentina provided the Pope with a braille description of the tower using a model.
The blessing ceremony was accompanied by a choir, fireworks, and a drone light display depicting Gaudí's face.
The Pope blessed the tower and its illuminated ceramic cross in both Catalan and Spanish.
This is the third papal visit to the basilica and the first in 15 years. Pope Benedict XVI previously consecrated the Sagrada Familia in 2010.
Construction Status
The Sagrada Familia remains under construction. Current completion is targeted for 2035.
Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years until his death. Construction was delayed by the Spanish Civil War and a lack of funds. In 1936, many of Gaudí’s original plans were destroyed by anarchist groups, later reconstructed by collaborators. Current chief architect Jordi Faulí has stated that Gaudí's design logic has been continued using modern tools such as digital modeling software, 3D printing, and industrial robots.
Background
The basilica was designed by Gaudí to feature 18 towers representing apostles, evangelists, Mary, and Jesus, as well as three facades (Nativity, Passion, and Glory) depicting key events in Jesus's life.
One year prior to this visit, the Vatican advanced Gaudí's cause for sainthood, declaring him "venerable."
The basilica attracts over five million visitors annually.