Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família Basilica in Barcelona on June 10 [1].
The event marks the completion of the tallest tower of the world's tallest church and commemorates the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death [1].
During a Mass attended by approximately 120,000 people [2], the Pope praised the structure as a symbol of faith. The new tower stands at 172.5 meters [3]. The ceremony concluded with a fireworks and light show that illuminated the Barcelona skyline [4].
"By looking at Christ, we can see the world with renewed eyes: the tower of the cross then becomes a banner of charity, for God loves us in this way," Pope Leo XIV said [5].
Beyond the architectural achievement, the Pope used the platform to address global conflict. "Christians cannot promote war," he said [6].
The Tower of Jesus Christ was completed in February 2026 [4]. Its inauguration brings a major milestone to the basilica, which has been under construction for 144 years [4]. The project remains one of the most ambitious architectural undertakings in history, combining Gaudí's original vision with modern engineering.
“"By looking at Christ, we can see the world with renewed eyes."”
The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ signifies the near-completion of the Sagrada Família's primary structural elements. By timing the blessing with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death, the Vatican reinforces the intersection of artistic legacy and religious authority, while the Pope's remarks on war utilize the global visibility of the monument to deliver a diplomatic message of peace.
