Pope Leo XIV led a commemorative mass for thousands of Catholics on June 10 to celebrate the completion of the Sagrada Familia's main tower [1, 2].
The event marks a pivotal milestone for the Barcelona landmark, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudí. The completion of the Tower of Jesus represents the culmination of over 140 years of continuous construction [1, 3].
The tower stands at 172.5 meters [1], making it the tallest church tower in the world. The structure is topped with a cross measuring 17 meters in height [3]. The celebration was attended by the Spanish royal couple and Prime Minister Sánchez [1, 2].
During the ceremony, the Pope honored those who contributed to the project's longevity. "In commemorating the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death, tonight we remember and express our gratitude to Gaudí, all the supporters, patrons, artists, and construction workers," Leo XIV said [4].
The timeline for the tower's final stages has seen some variation in reports. While the celebratory mass occurred on June 10, some reports indicate the final component was placed at the summit as early as Feb. 20, 2026 [5].
Construction of the tower took approximately 144 years from the initial start of the basilica [3]. While this primary spire is now finished, the entire cathedral complex is not yet complete. Officials estimate the full completion of the Sagrada Familia will take approximately 10 more years [1].
“The tower stands at 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church tower in the world.”
The completion of the Tower of Jesus serves as both a religious and architectural victory, bridging the gap between Gaudí's original 19th-century vision and 21st-century engineering. By aligning the completion with the centenary of Gaudí's death, the church has transformed a construction milestone into a global cultural event, while the presence of the Pope and Spanish state leadership underscores the basilica's status as a symbol of national and spiritual identity.
