By Blessing Nweke
Pope Leo XIV will formally bless the highest spire of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona on Wednesday, marking a historic moment for the iconic basilica and honoring the legacy of its visionary architect, Antoni Gaudí, on the centenary of his death.
The ceremony, expected to draw thousands of worshippers and visitors, will take place during a special Mass at the world-famous church, which recently became the tallest church in the world following the completion of its central Tower of Jesus Christ. Rising 566 feet and crowned by a towering ceramic cross, the structure dominates Barcelona’s skyline and remains one of Spain’s most visited landmarks despite still being under construction.
The Mass represents the culmination of Pope Leo’s weeklong visit to Spain, his first major European trip since becoming pontiff. Throughout the tour, the American-born pope has emphasized themes of peace, migration and social responsibility, warning that escalating global conflicts have pushed the world into a “profound crisis.”
Leo will also pay tribute to Gaudí, whose groundbreaking architectural style transformed religious design. Once criticized during his lifetime, Gaudí is now celebrated as one of Spain’s greatest architects. A devout Catholic, he dedicated more than four decades of his life to the Sagrada Familia before his death in 1926 after being struck by a tram.
Supporters of Gaudí’s canonization say a miracle attributed to him is currently under Vatican review, raising hopes he could be beatified during the centenary year of his death.
The basilica’s official program says musicians and choirs from across Catalonia will participate in the celebration. Pope Leo is expected to speak primarily in Spanish, while also delivering remarks in Catalan, the region’s predominant language.
The pontiff’s visit to Spain concludes Friday with a trip to the Canary Islands, where he will meet African migrants who arrived after making the perilous Atlantic crossing to Spanish territory.
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