Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer at the Tower of Jesus Christ, Sagrada Família

10 June 2026: a landmark for Barcelona

On 10 June 2026, one hundred years after Antoni Gaudí’s death, Pope Leo XIV presided over the inauguration and blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família. Crowned by a cross, the tower stands as one of the basilica’s great architectural and spiritual landmarks.

The blessing

During the ceremony, the Pope remembered Gaudí as an architect whose work was guided by faith. The prayer connected the new tower with mercy, salvation and hope. It thanked those who have worked on the basilica, invoked the Holy Spirit upon the faithful and asked that the cross crowning the temple become a sign of consolation and joy.

Architecture that looks upwards

The moment reflected Gaudí’s ambition to bring together architecture, nature, craftsmanship and spirituality. Held on the centenary of his death, the blessing also became an important cultural moment for Barcelona, beyond its religious significance.

The people behind the building

At Petit Gaudí, we see the Sagrada Família as more than an instantly recognisable city image. It is a collective work built over generations by architects, craftspeople, technicians and specialists, each contributing to something larger than a single lifetime.

The original prayer

The full Spanish transcript of the prayer, prepared from the live broadcast of 10 June 2026, is preserved in the original Petit Gaudí article and can be consulted alongside this translated account.

Read the original transcript