Pope Leo XIV Holds Mass at La Sagrada Familia

Pope Leo XIV will conduct a Mass at Barcelona’s renowned La Sagrada Familia on Wednesday. This ceremony includes offering a special papal blessing to the tallest spire of the church, marking its status as the tallest church in the world.

Construction of Sagrada Familia’s unique Modernist basilica began over 140 years ago. In February, the central Tower of Jesus Christ was completed, reaching a height of 566 feet. This tower is topped with an impressive five-story ceramic cross.

This Mass is a significant event during Pope Leo’s weeklong tour of Spain. This visit is his first major European journey since becoming pope last year, and it marks the first papal visit to Spain, a largely Catholic country, in 15 years.

Despite a decline in church attendance in Spain and Western Europe, approximately 1.2 million people attended a major outdoor Mass in Madrid on Sunday. On Monday, Pope Leo became the first pope to address the Spanish parliament. He expressed concerns about global issues, warning that military conflicts and political divides contribute to a “profound spiritual and cultural crisis.”

Pope Leo XIV was greeted with enthusiasm by crowds in Madrid on Monday. Photo by Pablo Cuadra / Getty Images.

During his visit, Pope Leo criticized Europe’s increased defense spending. He urged European nations to invest in peace-making efforts and aid for the underprivileged instead. He remarked, “Weapons can impose a temporary silence, but they can never build an authentic and lasting peace.”

Throughout his trip, Pope Leo primarily spoke in Spanish, though he will also make some remarks in Catalan while visiting Catalonia, the region where Barcelona is located.

The timing of Pope Leo’s visit to Sagrada Familia aligns with the anniversary of renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s death. Gaudí’s architectural style, evident in landmarks like Park Guell, has become symbolic of Barcelona’s identity.

La Sagrada Familia under construction in 1887. Photo by Universal Images Group via Getty Images file.

Gaudí took charge of the Sagrada Familia project in 1883, aiming to create a monumental expression of Catholic faith. His design was distinctive, featuring unique shapes and textures uncommon in churches of that era. Unfortunately, Gaudí’s work was incomplete when he died after a tram accident on June 10, 1926. Gaudí, a devout Catholic, was mistaken for a beggar due to his disheveled appearance and did not receive immediate medical attention.

The vision for Sagrada Familia endures, with the goal of completing the vast basilica by 2034. Entrance fees from tourists, mainly from abroad, fund the construction. Currently, Americans make up more visitors than Spaniards.

Mauricio Cortés, a Mexican architect, is one of many involved in realizing Gaudí’s dream. His responsibilities included assembling the massive 24-ton cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ.