Leo called Gaudí's unfinished temple, one of the world's most visited monuments, a "sign of unity and harmony for all of Spain," an ongoing building project like the lifelong journey all Christians make to find God.

As completion of 144-year basilica nears, questions swirl over resemblance of church to architect’s original plans

It has been a long wait but 144 years after work began, Pope Leo XIV has blessed the recently completed central tower of Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família church in the presence of members of the Spanish royal family, the prime minister and hundreds of bishops.

With the completion of the Jesus Christ tower, the tallest of 18 in the temple, the basilica has reached its full height of 172.5 metres. It is now not only the world’s tallest church but Barcelona’s tallest building. It was consecrated in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.

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© Photograph: José Jordan/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: José Jordan/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: José Jordan/AFP/Getty Images

The pontiff will offer a Mass in Antoni Gaudí’s iconic, unfinished basilica during his Spain trip. But for some Barcelona residents, completing the construction could mean knocking down their homes.

© Manu Quintero/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images