Pope Leo XIV holds a Mass and formally blesses Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, a basilica that has been under construction for more than 140 years. Multiple outlets report the pope blesses the church’s newest and highest tower, which is described as the world’s tallest church, and that he also celebrates Mass inside the basilica. The ceremony takes place as the city marks the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death on June 10, 1926, and the blessing is tied to the inauguration of the central “Tower of Jesus Christ” or an additional major tower component.

The visit is part of a wider Spain tour, with at least some coverage noting the trip includes a stop at Montserrat and later attention to issues including immigration. Reports also describe the high level of public attention during the pope’s earlier Mass in Spain, and one account notes that some Barcelona residents oppose or fear disruption from the continued completion of the basilica project. Overall, sources agree the pope’s Mass and blessing coincide with the basilica’s latest milestone in its long-running construction.