The central “Jesus Tower” of the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona was completed on June 10 [1].
The milestone marks the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí [2]. As the centerpiece of the basilica, the tower's completion represents a significant step toward finishing the structure, which has been under construction for 144 years [3].
Standing at 172.5 meters, the Jesus Tower is now the tallest church tower in the world [1]. The final piece of the central tower was installed to mark this major architectural achievement [4]. While this tower is finished, the basilica is not yet complete; 18 towers are planned in total [1]. Officials said it will take approximately 10 more years to complete the entire project [1].
Pope Leo XIV celebrated a commemorative Mass to mark the occasion [5]. During the service, the Pope said the incompatibility of violence with the Christian faith.
“One cannot wage war while believing in Jesus,” the Pope said [5].
He said that those who believe in Jesus cannot kill innocent people or abandon those who suffer, weep, or seek escape from poverty [5].
The completion of the tower serves as a global symbol of perseverance and art. The basilica remains one of the most visited sites in Spain, drawing millions of tourists to witness the realization of Gaudí's complex vision, a process that has spanned multiple generations of architects and engineers.
““One cannot wage war while believing in Jesus.””
The completion of the Jesus Tower signals the transition of the Sagrada Família from a perpetual construction site to a nearing finished monument. By tying the architectural milestone to a papal plea for peace, the Vatican is leveraging the global visibility of the centenary to align the basilica's physical completion with a moral message against conflict.
