Tens of thousands of faithful gathered in Barcelona to witness the historic ceremony marking the completion of the central tower of the Sagrada Família, the highlight of Pope Leo XIV's week-long visit to Spain. The pontiff presided over a solemn Mass in the basilica before blessing the tower of Jesus Christ, the final major element of the project conceived by architect Antoni Gaudí more than a century ago. Before the service, he prayed at the tomb of the building's creator, located in the basilica's crypt. The event held particular significance as it coincided with the centenary of Gaudí's death in 1926. Considered one of Europe's most iconic religious and architectural monuments, the Sagrada Família thus reached a major milestone in its history after several decades of construction. The ceremony also brought together Spain's highest authorities, including King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, underscoring the event's national significance. As night fell, the celebration continued outside the basilica. Illuminations, fireworks, and a drone show transformed the Barcelona skyline. The drones notably projected a giant portrait of Gaudí above the monument, paying homage to the architect while symbolizing the beginning of a new phase in his work. Beyond its religious dimension, this celebration reaffirmed Barcelona's status as a major destination for spiritual tourism and large-scale international cultural events.
