Pope Leo blesses new tower at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia
Pope Leo visited Barcelona on Wednesday to inaugurate a new tower at the renowned Sagrada Familia Basilica following a mass at the tallest church in the world. The 90-minute ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI. The pontiff emphasized themes of peace in his homily, delivered in multiple languages, stating the incompatibility of faith and violence. He concluded the event by blessing the newly completed Jesus Christ tower, which rises to 172.5 meters (566 feet), designed to be lower than Montjuic hill in accordance with Antoni Gaudi's original vision.
Key facts
- Pope Leo blessed the new Jesus Christ tower at Sagrada Familia on Wednesday.
- The tower was completed in February, bringing the basilica to 172.5 meters.
- The service lasted 90 minutes with a choir of 600 singers.
- Attendees included Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, King Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia.
- The pope delivered homily in Spanish, Catalan, and Latin.
- The pope made a thinly veiled reference to US President Donald Trump's administration.
- The tower's height is deliberately shorter than Montjuic hill (177m) out of religious respect.
- Antoni Gaudi designed the basilica, considering Montjuic hill as God's work.
Entities
Artists
- Antoni Gaudi
Institutions
- Sagrada Familia Basilica
- AFP
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Montjuic hill