Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia reached its ultimate height of 566 feet in February when the last major element—a massive cross—was installed atop the Tower of Jesus Christ. The milestone arrives exactly 100 years after architect Antoni Gaudí’s death and paves the way for a solemn Mass led by Pope Leo XIV later this week.

February 2024 Installation of the 100‑ton Cross Marks Final Height

According to architect Mauricio Cortés, the cross was fabricated in Germany and shipepd in 14 prefabricated sections of concrete and stainless steel, then lifted by crane to a workshop 200 feet above the basilica’s central nave. The cross, standing as tall as a five‑story building and weighing roughly 100 tons, was assembled on site before being raised into position,comppleting the tower’s final structural element .

Pope Leo XIV to Lead Solemn Mass on the New Tower

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV, the 11th pontiff since construction began, will preside over a Mass and blessing ceremony on Wednesday, marking the first liturgical use of the newly finished spire. While non‑structural work may continue for years, the ceremony signals a de facto inauguration ahead of the planned 2026 public opening.

Mauricio Cortés Says Modern Tech Honors Gaudí’s Vision

In an interview with CNN, Cortés highlighted the role of computer‑controlled stone‑cutting machines and stainless‑steel components in achieving a lightweight yet sturdy design, a compromise not possible in Gaudí’s era. He asserted that the exterior now closely mirrors Gaudí’s original plans, though the interior remains open to inteprretation because the master architect left few detailed specifications.

Historical Delays: Wars, Politics and Funding Stalled a 144‑Year Build

The Sagrada Familia’s construction began in 1882 and has been repeatedly postponed by the Spanish Civil War, Francoist restrictions, and chronic funding shortfalls. Despite these setbacks, the basilica has become Barcelona’s dominant skyline feature, with its 17 earlier towers dedicated to apostles, evangelists and the Virgin Mary.

Open Question: Will Future Interior Additions Remain Faithful to Gaudí?

While the exterior now aligns with Gaudí’s surviving sketches, the interior design—especially the nave’s color scheme and lighting—still lacks definitive guidance from the architect, leaving scholars to debate how closely future embellishments can claim authenticity.