Pontiff to celebrate mass at Gaudí’s iconic basilica, marking 100 years since the architect’s death and a major milestone in the church’s construction.

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Barcelona, where he will celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Familia Basilica and bless the newly completed tower that has made it the world’s tallest church.

On the fourth day of his visit to Spain, the pontiff departed Madrid after delivering an unprecedented address to parliament and presiding over an open-air Mass attended by about 1.5 million people.

Before leaving the capital, Pope Leo thanked thousands of volunteers who supported the extensive logistics and security operations for his events, including those held at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium.

Later today in Barcelona, he will visit the city’s Gothic Cathedral and lead a prayer vigil at the Olympic Stadium.

Excited worshippers have gathered outside the cathedral hours in advance under tight security.

Although religious observance has declined in Spain over recent decades, Roberto Crespo, a local resident, believes the Pope will receive a warm استقبال.

“I think people will show there is more faith and Catholicism than many assume,” he said.

On Wednesday, the Pope is scheduled to meet prisoners and visit an abbey on Montserrat mountain, about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Barcelona, ahead of the Mass at the famed Sagrada Familia.

Though still unfinished, the modernist masterpiece by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí attracted nearly five million visitors last year.

The Mass will coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s death on June 10, 1926. A devout Catholic whose cause for sainthood is advancing at the Vatican, Gaudí died after being struck by a tram in Barcelona while on his way to pray.

Following the Mass, the Pope will bless the Jesus Christ Tower—the basilica’s soaring central feature—completed in February.

The addition brings the Sagrada Familia to its full height of 172.5 metres (566 feet), making it the tallest church in the world.

Meanwhile, the full completion of the Sagrada Familia is expected within the next decade.