Pope Leo XIV blesses new Sagrada Familia tower, now world's tallest church

Pope Leo XIV blessed the new tower of the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona on Sunday, 11 June 2026, during a Mass that also marked the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death. The newly completed tower makes the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. The ceremony was the centerpiece of the pontiff's week-long visit to Spain and attracted tens of thousands of worshippers who crowded the streets around the basilica. King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attended, underscoring the national importance of the event.

Before the Mass, the pope paid tribute to Gaudí at his tomb in the basilica's crypt. The celebration commemorated Gaudí's death in 1926. Designed more than a century ago, the Sagrada Familia remains one of Europe's most recognized religious and architectural landmarks.

Following the service, crowds gathered outside as the basilica was illuminated and fireworks lit up the Barcelona skyline. A drone display created a portrait of Gaudí above the monument, linking the architect's legacy to the latest stage of the project's development. The event reinforced Barcelona's position as a leading destination for religious tourism and international cultural events.