Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the Tower of Jesus at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 [1].
The event marks a significant milestone for the basilica, which has been under construction for 140 years [4]. The completion of the Tower of Jesus brings the structure closer to its final form while honoring the legacy of its primary architect.
The pontiff traveled to Spain to bless the newly completed spire and celebrate a mass at the basilica [3]. This visit coincides with the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí [2], the visionary architect who designed the landmark. Gaudí's influence remains central to the project, though he died long before the structure reached its current height.
The Tower of Jesus is one of the most prominent features of the basilica's design. Its inauguration serves as a focal point for the centenary celebrations of Gaudí's death [2]. The event drew international attention to Barcelona, highlighting the intersection of faith, art, and long-term architectural ambition.
While the basilica continues to evolve, the addition of the tower represents a major step toward the completion of the entire complex. The ceremony on Wednesday underscored the enduring nature of the project, a construction effort that has spanned multiple generations and papacies [4].
“Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the Tower of Jesus at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família”
The inauguration of the Tower of Jesus by the Pope transforms the Sagrada Família from a perpetual construction site into a nearly completed monument. By linking the event to the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death, the Vatican reinforces the spiritual and artistic legitimacy of the project's modern execution, ensuring the architect's vision is cemented in the global consciousness as the building nears its final stages.
