A highly anticipated moment: the last part of the 55-ft cross was installed on the central tower of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which was designed by Antonio Gaudí more than 140 years ago.
The building now reaches over 560 feet in height, cross included. The tower will hopefully be open to visitors starting in 2028.
Now, both authorities and Catholic faithful are hoping Pope Leo XIV will visit the basilica during his potential trip to Spain, which some speculate will be in June. The Vatican has yet to confirm the details.
Pope Benedict XVI visited the basilica in 2010 for its dedication. Based on the basilica's name, the pope fittingly spoke about the family.
POPE BENEDICT XVI
Alongside them there must always be moral progress, such as attention to, protection of, and support for the family, for the generous and indissoluble love of a man and a woman is the effective framework and foundation of human life in its conception, birth, growth, and natural end. Only where love and fidelity exist can true freedom be born and endure.
In 2025, the Church declared Antonio Gaudí a Venerable. Many people in Barcelona hope that Pope Leo will beatify the saintly architect in the basilica to which he gave so much of his life.
