Pope Francis blesses Sagrada Família tower during Barcelona ceremony

Pope Francis concluded his Spanish trip with a ceremony at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, where he blessed the incomplete tower of Jesus. The event coincided with the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death and featured a high‑tech light show with drones, fireworks and a musical programme. Spanish King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Catalan President Pere Aragonès were among the dignitaries present.

The Pope addressed themes of peace and social responsibility, urging that “we cannot believe in Jesus and promote war” and calling for greater resources to combat gender‑based violence and support migrants. International news outlets described the ceremony as “majestic,” “spectacular” and a “key moment of the papal visit,” highlighting the blend of religious ritual with the architectural heritage of Gaudí’s unfinished basilica.

Coverage also noted local controversy over a planned staircase that could affect nearby residents, but the overall tone was one of celebration of the basilica’s progress toward becoming the world’s tallest church.