Faithful line streets as Pope Leo to bless Sagrada Família on centenary of Gaudí’s death
Pope Leo XIV is visiting Barcelona to bless the newly completed central tower of the Sagrada Família on the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. The event marks the completion of the basilica's tallest tower, making it the tallest church in the world.
Why it matters
The completion of this iconic architectural project is a significant cultural and religious milestone for Spain and the Catholic Church.
Blessing the towers is the last stop in the pope’s busy Barcelona schedule and will take place in the presence of members of the Spanish royal family, the prime minister and hundreds of bishops. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Blessing the towers is the last stop in the pope’s busy Barcelona schedule and will take place in the presence of members of the Spanish royal family, the prime minister and hundreds of bishops. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Pope Leo XIV Faithful line streets as Pope Leo to bless Sagrada Família on centenary of Gaudí’s death As completion of 144-year construction nears, questions swirl over resemblance of church to architect’s original plans
The report focuses on the event details and historical context of the architecture without political bias.
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