Pope Leo XIV formally blessed the Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família on June 11, 2026, marking the culmination of over 140 years of construction and honoring the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death. Standing at 566 feet, the tower is now the tallest part of what is considered the world’s tallest church, crowned with a five-story ceramic cross. The Mass, held at the still-unfinished basilica, celebrated Gaudí’s spiritual and artistic legacy, with the Pope delivering remarks in both Spanish and Catalan.

Gaudí, who took over the project in 1883, devoted 43 years of his life to the basilica before dying in 1926 after being struck by a tram. Though mocked in his time, his visionary modernist designs are now revered, earning him the nickname 'God’s architect.' Last year, Pope Francis declared Gaudí 'venerable,' a key step toward sainthood, and church officials hope beatification will follow this year, coinciding with the centenary.

The Pope’s visit is part of a broader European trip emphasizing migrant dignity and global ethical responsibility. His trip included a historic address to the Spanish parliament and a massive outdoor Mass in Madrid. The final leg will take him to the Canary Islands to meet African migrants. Meanwhile, the Sagrada Família remains one of the world’s most visited religious sites, drawing millions despite still being under construction.