A Century-Defining Masterpiece Reaches a New Milestone: Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Completes Its Tallest Tower | WPN World People News

Marking the centenary of the death of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, Pope Leo XIV, the supreme leader of the Catholic Church, traveled to Spain on the 10th to preside over the grand consecration and inauguration ceremony of the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ. After the installation of its massive cross structure in February, the symbolic tower reached its full height of 172.5 meters. This historic achievement officially elevated the basilica above Germany’s Ulm Minster, making it the tallest church building in the world.

Since construction began in the late nineteenth century, this nature-inspired religious sanctuary has endured a long and turbulent journey. Over the past century, the project has faced severe financial shortages, political and social upheavals, and even destruction caused by arson during the Spanish Civil War. Most of Gaudí’s original architectural drawings were also lost in the flames. Fortunately, advances in digital modeling software, 3D printing, and precision stone-cutting technologies have enabled modern experts to significantly accelerate construction while remaining faithful to the architect’s original vision.

During his visit to Spain, the Pope paid tribute to the venerable architect—who has been included in the Vatican’s canonization process—at his crypt before celebrating Mass in the presence of thousands of worshippers and members of the Spanish royal family. In his homily, he remarked that the basilica’s unfinished state should not be viewed as a flaw; rather, it symbolizes humanity’s ongoing commitment to progress and self-improvement. He also used the occasion to urge people around the world to remain faithful to their beliefs, end all wars, and refrain from abandoning those who suffer. The event concluded with a presentation of a Braille model by a visually impaired young girl, followed by a dazzling drone and fireworks display.

Although the most iconic and tallest tower has now been successfully topped out, the construction board acknowledged that interior finishing work and surrounding auxiliary projects will continue. Some interior adjustments are not expected to be completed for another two years. In particular, plans for the Glory Façade—the basilica’s principal entrance—remain stalled due to ongoing disputes over the relocation of nearby residents. Nevertheless, as Gaudí famously remarked when questioned about the pace of construction, this sacred structure, more than a century in the making, will continue moving steadily toward its ultimate completion, carrying with it the hopes and aspirations of countless people.