Pope León XIV presided over the inauguration and blessing of the Torre de Jesucristo, the highest spire of the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona [1].
The event marks the culmination of a construction process spanning 144 years [3]. The completion of the tower fulfills the architectural vision of Antoni Gaudí, who conceived the project more than 140 years ago [4].
During the ceremony, which took place between June 10 and June 11, 2026 [1, 2], the Pope said the new spire is a "signo de unidad y de concordia" — a sign of unity and concord [2]. The tower is intended to serve as the world's tallest church tower, acting as a symbol of peace and global harmony [1].
Beyond the architectural achievement, the Pope used the occasion to deliver a moral message regarding global conflict. He said, "No se puede creer en Jesús y promover la guerra," stating that one cannot believe in Jesus and promote war [5].
Local leadership also highlighted the international significance of the project. Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat, said that Barcelona has once again played a role in Europe and the world [6].
The blessing of the Torre de Jesucristo brings the basilica closer to its final form. The ceremony was marked by a celebration of Gaudí's legacy, and the endurance of the project through multiple generations of builders and architects [1, 3].
“"No se puede creer en Jesús y promover la guerra"”
The completion of the Torre de Jesucristo represents more than an architectural milestone; it is a symbolic bridge between 19th-century design and 21st-century engineering. By linking the inauguration to a plea for peace, the Vatican is leveraging the global visibility of the Sagrada Família to project a message of diplomacy and anti-war sentiment during a period of international tension.
