Pope Leo Blesses World's Tallest Church in Barcelona

Pope Leo arrived in Barcelona to celebrate mass at the Sagrada Familia Basilica, where he will bless a new tower that elevates the basilica to the status of the world's tallest church. This visit marks a significant occasion as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the death of renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, who designed the basilica.

The mass is expected to attract a large congregation, with around 1.5 million people anticipated to gather. Pope Leo's itinerary includes a prayer vigil at the Gothic Cathedral and a visit to Montserrat, approximately 60 kilometers from Barcelona.

Additionally, he will meet with migrant volunteers in the Canary Islands, paying tribute to those who have died attempting to reach the archipelago. The Sagrada Familia, an unfinished modernist masterpiece, received nearly five million visitors last year, and the new tower, which reaches a height of 172.5 meters (566 feet), was completed in February.