Pope Leo XIV hails Sagrada Familia a 'masterpiece' at Gaudí centenary Mass

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Sagrada Familia Basilica as a masterpiece of "stones, colors and light" during a Mass marking the centenary of its architect Antoni Gaudí's death. The Pope described Gaudí's unfinished temple, a major global tourist attraction, as a "sign of unity and harmony for all of Spain." He likened the ongoing construction to the lifelong Christian journey to find God.

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masterpiece of stones, colors and light

Speaking from the altar, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia present, the Pope declared, "We are all the living stones of this edifice." The service was the centerpiece of the Pope's weeklong visit to Spain, the first papal visit in 15 years to a country experiencing secularizing trends. Despite this, tens of thousands of faithful Catholics lined the streets to welcome the American pope.

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sign of unity and harmony for all of Spain

The trip highlighted Spain's enduring Catholic roots, even as it navigates modern secularism. The Pope's visit also included a Mass for abuse survivors and a consecration of the basilica's Tower of Jesus Christ, which will make it the world's tallest church. Earlier, the Pope visited Montserrat, a mountain complex significant to Catalan Christian traditions.

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We are all the living stones of this edifice

Outside the basilica, Laura Rincón, who works nearby, expressed her admiration for the church's architecture, noting, "If you look at it just for its architecture, it is amazing. Inside, its columns make you feel like you are inside a forest." She believed the Pope would be impressed by the structure she sees daily.

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If you look at it just for its architecture, it is amazing. Inside, its columns make you feel like you are inside a forest.