Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday celebrated a mass in Barcelona marking 100 years since the death of architect Antoni Gaudí in the still-unfinished Sagrada Família basilica, attended by around 4,000 people including Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The pontiff had earlier prayed at Gaudí's tomb in the basilica crypt before leading the service in the landmark church, which has been under construction for 144 years.
In his sermon, the pope described the basilica as an architectural masterpiece and a "visible sign of the invisible God," saying Gaudí designed its spaces with the aim of conveying the secrets of Christ's life.
During his fifth day in Spain, the pope also reiterated his opposition to war and violence and criticized the neglect of people fleeing conflict and hardship.
Following the mass, Leo XIV blessed the basilica's main tower, which has made the Sagrada Família the tallest church in the world. The tower reached its final height of 172.5 metres earlier this year after the installation of a cross designed by German engineering firm Gartner.
After the ceremony, a light and fireworks display illuminated the basilica, with drones forming images of Gaudí and later spelling out one of his most famous quotes in Catalan: "First you need love, then technique."
The pope is due to travel to the Canary Islands on Thursday, the final stop of his week-long Spain tour, where he is expected to meet migrants who have arrived from Africa after dangerous Atlantic crossings in small boats.
The Vatican has repeatedly called for humane treatment of migrants and for greater protection for those fleeing poverty and conflict.
