BARCELONA — Pope Leo XIV will bless the new central tower of the Sagrada Familia on Wednesday and celebrate Mass inside what is now the world’s tallest church.
The visit comes during a week-long trip to Spain and coincides with the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí on June 10, 1926. Gaudí, the architect behind the basilica, was a devout Catholic whose sainthood cause is advancing in the Vatican. He died after being struck by a tram while on his way to pray.
The pope arrived in Spain on Saturday, beginning his visit in Madrid, where he addressed the Spanish parliament and celebrated an outdoor Mass attended by approximately 1.5 million people.
During the trip, Leo has spoken against political polarization, urged dialogue over conflict and military escalation, and pledged stronger efforts by the Catholic Church to address clergy sexual abuse. He has also sought to reinvigorate the Church in a country where religious observance has declined significantly in recent decades.
After Barcelona, the pope is scheduled to visit the Canary Islands, where he will focus on migration issues. The islands are a major entry point into Europe for migrants arriving via the Atlantic route.
Before celebrating Mass at the Sagrada Familia, Leo is expected to visit a prison and an abbey in the Montserrat mountain range overlooking Barcelona.
The basilica’s central Jesus Christ tower was completed in February, reaching a height of 172.5 meters (566 feet). The structure was intentionally designed to remain shorter than Barcelona’s Montjuïc hill, reflecting Gaudí’s belief that human creations should not surpass the works of God.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is expected to continue for about another decade. Plans to finish the project this year were delayed after the COVID-19 pandemic severely reduced tourism, the basilica’s primary source of funding through ticket sales and donations.
Although visitor numbers have since recovered, the construction board has not announced a new completion date. Significant work remains, including the controversial Glory Facade and its four bell towers.
Plans for the facade include a large staircase and public square at the main entrance, a project that could require the demolition of up to two city blocks. Local residents have spent years opposing the proposal.