Pope to bless Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, world's tallest church
Summary
Pope Leo XIV will bless the new central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, now the tallest church in the world. The visit marks the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudi’s death. The pope is on a week-long trip to Spain, where he has spoken about peace, addressed the Spanish parliament, and celebrated large public masses.Key Facts
- The Sagrada Familia’s central Jesus Christ tower was completed in February and is 172.5 meters (566 feet) tall.
- The height is intentionally shorter than Barcelona’s Montjuic hill out of respect for the natural landmark.
- Construction of the church began in 1882 and full completion is expected in about ten years.
- Work was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic since tourism, a main funding source, slowed down.
- The basilica attracts nearly five million visitors each year, who pay an entrance fee that helps fund the construction.
- The pope has called for dialogue instead of war and criticized political polarization.
- During his visit, the pope plans to visit a prison and an abbey near Barcelona and later travel to the Canary Islands to focus on immigration issues.
- The church’s building board has not set a new completion date after the pandemic, and local residents oppose some planned construction outside the basilica involving demolishing homes.
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