Pope Leo XIV consecrated the Sagrada Família's newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ in Barcelona on Sunday, elevating the basilica to the status of the world's tallest church. The ceremony, held before an estimated 120,000 attendees, marked both a milestone in the temple's construction and the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death.
The tower, which reaches 172.5 meters, surpasses the previous record held by Ulm Minster in Germany. Gaudí, who died in 1926, famously said that his design should not exceed the height of Montjuïc hill, as human creation should not rival God's work. The new tower respects that principle, standing just below the hill's summit.
A century in the making
The Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882, with Gaudí taking over the project a year later. The basilica's completion is now projected for 2033, though the recent inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ brings the vision closer to reality. The tower is the central spire of the temple, surrounded by four smaller towers representing the Evangelists.
During the mass, Pope Leo XIV praised Gaudí's "genius and faith," noting that the architect's work "transcends mere stone and mortar to become a prayer in itself." The pontiff also blessed the altar and the crypt, where Gaudí is buried.
The event drew pilgrims from across Europe and beyond, with many queuing for hours to enter the basilica. The Catalan government declared a regional holiday for the occasion, and the city of Barcelona saw a surge in visitors, with hotels reporting near-full occupancy.
For those unable to attend in person, the mass was broadcast on large screens in Plaça de la Sagrada Família and streamed online. The Vatican confirmed that the pope's visit to Spain was part of a broader tour that also included stops in Madrid and Santiago de Compostela.
The Sagrada Família's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and its ongoing construction have made it a symbol of Barcelona's cultural and architectural ambition. The new tower, topped with a 17-meter cross, is now visible from much of the city, offering a new landmark for residents and tourists alike.
As the basilica approaches its final stages, the focus now shifts to the remaining towers, including the Tower of the Virgin Mary and the central spire of Jesus Christ, which will complete Gaudí's original design. The project has faced numerous challenges, including funding shortages and the disruptions of the Spanish Civil War, but remains a testament to the enduring vision of its creator.
For more on Spain's cultural landmarks, see our coverage of a rare tour of the Sagrada Família revealing Gaudí's hidden symbols.
