Pope Leo XIV Inaugurates Sagrada Familia Tower, Making It the World's Tallest Church

<p>Pope Leo XIV traveled to Barcelona on June 10, 2026, to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. The ceremony marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudi, the architect who designed the basilica and spent the last years of his life devoted to its construction.</p>

<p>The tower stands 172.5 meters tall, making the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. It is the 18th and final tower of the basilica, dedicated to Jesus Christ. The other towers honor the apostles, the evangelists, and the Virgin Mary.</p>

<p>King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain attended the Mass presided over by the Pope. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was also present. About 120,000 people gathered in the streets around the basilica to watch the event.</p>

<p>The evening included a drone show, music from the Escolania de Montserrat choir, and an illumination display that lit up the newly completed cross. The cross weighs approximately 100 tons and is designed to reflect sunlight during the day and glow at night.</p>

<p>Chief architect Jordi Fauli led the final construction phase, using computer-controlled stone-cutting and stainless steel to stay true to Gaudi's original geometric designs. The structural completion of the tower was achieved on February 20, 2026, when workers installed the final cross component.</p>

<p>Work on the basilica continues. The interior and the Glory Facade, intended as the main entrance, remain unfinished. Local residents have raised concerns about demolitions that may be required for a planned monumental staircase leading to the facade.</p>

<p>The Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882. Gaudi took over the project in 1883 and worked on it until his death in 1926, when he was struck by a tram in Barcelona.</p>