Pope Leo XIV will bless the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona on the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death, marking the completion of the Jesus Christ tower—the tallest of 18 spires—which brings the church to its full height of 172.5 meters. Thousands of faithful lined the route hours ahead, and the pope's busy schedule also includes a visit to a high-security prison and a plea for Catalan unity.
This event matters because it combines a major religious milestone with the culmination of 144 years of construction on Gaudí's iconic masterpiece, now the world's tallest church. The blessing also highlights ongoing debates about the basilica's fidelity to Gaudí's original vision, the contentious planned grand stairway that would displace thousands, and the broader social and political context of Barcelona's relationship with the Catholic Church.