Pope Leo XIV blesses new Sagrada Familia tower, now the world’s tallest church
Pope Leo XIV consecrated the new tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, making it the world's tallest church, during a mass marking the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death.
During his week-long visit to Spain, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday led a Mass at the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, blessing the newly completed tower that now makes the church the tallest in the world. The ceremony drew tens of thousands of worshippers who filled the streets around the basilica.
Attending the event were King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, underscoring its national significance. Before the Mass, the pope paid tribute to architect Antoni Gaudí at his tomb in the basilica's crypt.
The occasion coincided with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death in 1926. Designed more than a century ago, the Sagrada Familia remains one of Europe's most recognizable religious and architectural landmarks.
Following the service, the basilica was illuminated and fireworks lit up the Barcelona skyline, while a drone display created a portrait of Gaudí above the monument, linking the architect's legacy to the latest stage of the project. The event reinforced Barcelona’s position as a leading destination for religious tourism and international cultural events.
