Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the tallest tower of Barcelona's Sagrada Família during a ceremony and Mass on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 [3].
The event marks a pivotal moment in the century-long construction of the basilica. By completing the Tower of Jesus Christ, the church reaches a primary architectural milestone that coincides with the 100th anniversary of the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudí [2, 4].
During the proceedings, Pope Leo XIV described the basilica as a masterpiece of "stones, colors, and light" [1]. The pontiff said the finished structure is a symbol of unity and harmony for all of Spain [1].
Approximately 120,000 people attended the celebrations [1]. The Tower of Jesus Christ is now complete, a gift to the faithful and to the city of Barcelona, the pope said [3].
The visit included a Mass at the basilica, though reports differ on the full schedule. Some accounts indicate the pope also held a no-ontime prayer at a mountain-top abbey earlier in the day [3], while others focus exclusively on the evening Mass [1].
The completion of the tower serves as the centerpiece of the centenary commemorations for Gaudí [4]. The architect's influence remains central to the project, which has evolved over 100 years into one of the world's most recognized religious sites.
“"Stones, colors, and light."”
The inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ represents more than an architectural achievement; it is a symbolic effort to align the Catholic Church with Spanish national identity. By framing the completion as a 'sign of unity' during the centenary of Gaudí, the Vatican is leveraging the basilica's global prestige to promote social cohesion within Spain.
