Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona on Thursday [1].

The event marks a historic milestone for the Catholic Church and the city of Barcelona, as the completion of the tower officially makes the basilica the tallest church in the world [2].

The ceremony coincided with the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí [3]. The project has been under construction for 144 years [3].

Standing at 172.5 meters, or 566 feet, the new tower is the centerpiece of the basilica's architectural design [3]. Around 120,000 people attended the blessing ceremony to witness the finalization of the structure [3].

The Sagrada Família has long been a symbol of Barcelona and a testament to Gaudí's unique style. The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ represents the culmination of over a century of labor and funding, a process that spanned multiple generations of architects and builders.

Pope Leo XIV presided over the festivities and said the site has spiritual and artistic significance. The event drew global attention as the basilica finally reached its intended height, fulfilling the vision laid out by Gaudí before he died a century ago [1].

“The completion of the tower officially makes the basilica the tallest church in the world”

The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ resolves one of the most enduring architectural puzzles in modern history. By reaching its peak 144 years after construction began, the Sagrada Família transitions from a perpetual construction site to a finished monument. This milestone not only establishes a new record for ecclesiastical height but also serves as a global tribute to Antoni Gaudí's legacy during his centennial anniversary.