Pope Leo XIV Visits Spain, Blesses New Tower of Sagrada Familia
Pope Leo XIV held a mass and blessed the new tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, making it the tallest church in the world. He appealed for peace during the mass, attended by the Spanish Prime Minister and the King and Queen.
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- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 14:51
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(Central News Agency, Barcelona, 10th, Comprehensive Foreign News) Pope Leo XIV today held a mass at the iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, blessing the magnificent new tower, which has made the church the tallest in the world.
According to AFP, the ceremony concluded with a fireworks and light show that illuminated the facade of the Sagrada Familia, with changing colors highlighting the majestic silhouette of its towering spires against the unfinished church.
The approximately 90-minute mass featured a 600-person choir. Attendees included Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, King Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia.
The Pope delivered his homily in Spanish, Catalan, and Latin. Amidst the colorful stained glass and tree-like stone columns, he called for peace, stating, "We cannot believe in Jesus and advocate for war; we cannot believe in Jesus and kill innocent people." Observers believe this was an implicit reference to the policies of the Trump administration in the United States.
At the end of the mass, the American-born Pope blessed the central Jesus Christ Tower of the Sagrada Familia. The tower was completed in February, bringing the total height of the church to 172.5 meters.
After looking up at the tower, the Pope sprinkled holy water on it, then turned to bless the congregation, drawing applause and cheers.
Windows and balconies around the square were crowded with onlookers.
The Sagrada Familia is a modernist masterpiece designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi, attracting nearly 5 million visitors last year.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is expected to take about another 10 years to be fully completed.
After concluding his visit to Barcelona, the Pope will travel to the Canary Islands to focus on immigration issues. This Atlantic archipelago is a major gateway for illegal immigrants entering Europe, drawing significant attention. (Editor: Xu Ruicheng) 1150611
According to AFP, the ceremony concluded with a fireworks and light show that illuminated the facade of the Sagrada Familia, with changing colors highlighting the majestic silhouette of its towering spires against the unfinished church.
The approximately 90-minute mass featured a 600-person choir. Attendees included Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, King Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia.
The Pope delivered his homily in Spanish, Catalan, and Latin. Amidst the colorful stained glass and tree-like stone columns, he called for peace, stating, "We cannot believe in Jesus and advocate for war; we cannot believe in Jesus and kill innocent people." Observers believe this was an implicit reference to the policies of the Trump administration in the United States.
At the end of the mass, the American-born Pope blessed the central Jesus Christ Tower of the Sagrada Familia. The tower was completed in February, bringing the total height of the church to 172.5 meters.
After looking up at the tower, the Pope sprinkled holy water on it, then turned to bless the congregation, drawing applause and cheers.
Windows and balconies around the square were crowded with onlookers.
The Sagrada Familia is a modernist masterpiece designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi, attracting nearly 5 million visitors last year.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is expected to take about another 10 years to be fully completed.
After concluding his visit to Barcelona, the Pope will travel to the Canary Islands to focus on immigration issues. This Atlantic archipelago is a major gateway for illegal immigrants entering Europe, drawing significant attention. (Editor: Xu Ruicheng) 1150611
FAQ
Where did Pope Leo XIV bless the new tower?
At the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Spain.
What is the height of the new tower?
172.5 meters, making it the tallest church in the world.
Who attended the mass?
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, King Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia.