Pope Leo XIV to inaugurate Sagrada Família’s central tower

Pope Leo XIV is set to inaugurate the newly completed central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família during a visit to Spain next week, marking a major religious and cultural milestone in the long-running construction of the iconic basilica.

The pontiff is scheduled to celebrate an evening Mass at the Sagrada Família on June 10, during which he will bless the Tower of Jesus Christ—the basilica’s highest spire, which now reaches 172.5 metres above Barcelona. The date coincides with the 100th anniversary of the death of the church’s architect, Antoni Gaudí, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Spanish church officials said the visit highlights Gaudí’s enduring legacy, noting that the architect is currently on the path toward possible sainthood, though no canonization is expected during the Pope’s trip.

The Barcelona ceremony will serve as the centrepiece of Pope Leo XIV’s broader apostolic journey across Spain from June 6 to June 12. The visit begins in Madrid, where he is expected to hold meetings with government leaders, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, as well as address members of parliament.

He will also lead a youth prayer vigil recalling the 2011 World Youth Day, previously hosted in Madrid by Pope Benedict XVI. Archbishop Luis Argüello of Valladolid described the parliamentary address as particularly significant, noting that papal speeches to foreign legislatures are rare and often defining moments of a pontificate.

Authorities and organisers expect around 8,000 people to attend the Barcelona ceremony, including members of the Spanish royal family, government officials, bishops, and members of the public. The visit has also driven a surge in demand for accommodation near the basilica, with local reports indicating sharply increased hotel and rental prices ahead of the event.

By Sabina Mammadli