Pope Leo XIV consecrated the tallest tower of the Sagrada Familia 144 years after the start of construction
Pope Leo XIV consecrated the new Tower of Jesus Christ of the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona during a ceremony attended by about 120,000 people. The celebration ended with a grand light show and fireworks, writes Euronews.
The solemn opening of the last major tower of the Sagrada Familia turned Barcelona into an arena of historic celebration. Thousands of people filled the streets around Antoni Gaudí's basilica to witness a ceremony full of emotions and music, a drone show, and an impressive light and pyrotechnic display that illuminated the most famous symbol of the Spanish city.
The ceremony was led by Pope Leo XIV, who celebrated a special mass on the centenary of Gaudí's death — the architect who devoted over four decades of his life to designing and building the basilica. The pontiff also consecrated the new Tower of Jesus Christ — the tallest among all the church's spires, making the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world.
About 120,000 people gathered on the streets near the basilica. Due to the presence of King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, extensive security measures were organized.
After the mass held inside the basilica, Leo XIV went outside to consecrate the large illuminated ceramic cross crowning the new tower. While a children's choir performed musical pieces, a grand light show transformed the church's famous stained glass windows into a colorful mosaic visible from outside. The ceremony concluded with fireworks launched from the basilica's facade.
In his sermon, the pontiff called the Sagrada Familia a masterpiece of "stone, color, and light" and stated that it is a "symbol of unity and harmony for all of Spain."
The tallest church in the world
The new Tower of Jesus Christ reaches 172.5 meters in height and has become the most prominent landmark of Barcelona's skyline. After its completion, the Sagrada Familia officially became the tallest church in the world.
The basilica now has 18 towers: 12 dedicated to the apostles, four to the evangelists, one to the Virgin Mary, and the main central tower to Jesus Christ.
Despite the completion of this tower, work on the church continues. The basilica is planned to be fully completed within the next decade.
A forest of stone and light
The Sagrada Familia is considered one of the world's most outstanding architectural works. Inside, huge columns inspired by tree trunks rise to the vaults, creating the feeling of being in a stone forest.
Light is another main element of the building. Blue and green shades of the stained glass on the eastern facade illuminate the Nativity facade, while red and orange colors fill the Passion facade at sunset. Behind the altar, golden hues prevail, symbolizing glory and divinity.
Gaudí once summarized his inspiration with a phrase that still reflects the spirit of this structure: "Nature is my teacher."
A hundred years after the architect's death, his creation continues to grow and impress millions of visitors from around the world.
Photo: AP
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