Pope Leo XIV Blesses Sagrada Familia's Tower in Barcelona Ceremony

Pope Leo XIV blessed the Tower of Jesus at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, the world's tallest religious structure, in a grand ceremony attended by Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

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It is not possible to believe in Jesus and promote war and kill innocents or abandon those who flee.

During the Mass, the pontiff championed peace and acceptance. He declared that one cannot believe in Jesus while simultaneously promoting war or harming innocent people. "It is not possible to believe in Jesus and promote war and kill innocents or abandon those who flee," he stated.

The Pope described the Sagrada Familia as a "sign of unity and concord," emphasizing how the basilica unites Barcelona and Catalonia. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular display of lights, music, and a drone show depicting the architect Antoni Gaudí's image in the Barcelona sky.

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This is a temple that makes us a family beloved by the Lord, nourished by his own life in the Eucharist. This is how the City of Counts and all of Catalonia gather in this temple, also a sign of unity and concord.

Earlier, Pope Leo XIV visited Montserrat, an abbey nestled in the mountains and a potent symbol of Catalan identity. There, he venerated the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia. He entrusted his service and the Church's mission to her intercession, praying for justice and peace in a world in need. He also called for cultivating love in political discussions and online interactions.

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I am happy to be able to come to the feet of the Moreneta to entrust to her, full of confidence in her maternal intercession, my Petrine service and the mission of the Church in the world that cries out for justice and peace.