Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Visit to Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia

Pope Leo XIV will conduct a Mass at Barcelona’s renowned La Sagrada Familia on Wednesday. During the visit, he will bestow a papal blessing on the highest spire of the world’s tallest church.

The Sagrada Familia, characterized by its Modernist design, has been under development for over 140 years. In February, construction concluded on the central Tower of Jesus Christ, which reaches 566 feet and is topped with a massive five-story ceramic cross.

“Weapons can impose ⁠a temporary silence, but they can never build an authentic and lasting peace,” he said.

This event is a significant part of Leo’s weeklong visit to Spain, marking his first major European trip since his election as pontiff last year. It is also the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. Despite a decline in church attendance in Spain and much of Western Europe, around 1.2 million people reportedly gathered on the streets of Madrid to witness the pontiff lead a large outdoor Mass on Sunday.

On Monday, Pope Leo became the first pope to address the Spanish parliament. In his speech, he emphasized the global dangers posed by military conflicts and political divisions, describing them as contributing to a “profound spiritual and cultural crisis.”

He criticized the increase in defense spending across Europe, which has risen due to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and past criticisms of NATO by the Trump administration. He advocated for channeling funds into peacemaking efforts and aid for the needy instead.

Throughout his journey, the pope has mainly spoken in Spanish, with plans to deliver some remarks in Catalan, the primary language in Catalonia, where Barcelona is located. His visit coincides with the centennial of the death of Antoni Gaudí, the visionary Catalan architect who originally conceived the design for the basilica.

Gaudí, a devoted Catholic, took over the basilica’s construction in 1883, aspiring to create a monument of faith with unique architecture. He passed away on June 10, 1926, after being struck by a tram. Mistaken for a beggar due to his modest attire, he initially received no medical care.

The basilica’s construction has persisted for decades and aims for completion by 2034. According to its administrators, funds from foreign visitors, who comprise 90% of tourists, finance its continued construction. More Americans than Spaniards visit the landmark.

Mauricio Cortés, a Mexican architect, is responsible for assembling the 24-ton cross now atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, continuing Gaudí’s legacy into the modern era.