BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Pope Leo XIV is commemorating two of Barcelona's most significant and beautiful monuments with a series of events on Wednesday. The day begins with a noontime prayer at the Montserrat Abbey, a mountain-top location that holds great spiritual significance for Catalans. Later, the Pope will conduct an evening Mass at the famed Sagrada Familia Basilica, marking the centenary of the death of its renowned architect, Antoni Gaudí.
In a move that continues the tradition set by Pope Francis, Leo XIV visited inmates at a Barcelona prison prior to the religious ceremonies. He aimed to offer hope and encouragement, reminding the inmates that their past mistakes do not determine their future. His message emphasized the importance of making better choices moving forward.
Pope Leo XIV's week-long visit to Spain underscores the enduring faith of many Catholics in a country that has faced a decline in religious observance following its 20th-century dictatorship. Despite this, large crowds have turned out to welcome the American Pope, showcasing the resilience of faith in the region.
The morning prayer at Montserrat Abbe, a complex that includes an 11th-century Benedictine abbey and a 16th-century basilica, is considered a treasured destination for local worshippers. The site is particularly famous for its Black Madonna statue and houses a boys' choir established in the 13th century, the oldest of its kind in Europe.
The evening's Mass at Sagrada Familia, another location of deep religious and cultural importance, is expected to be the highlight of Leo's visit. This Mass will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death. The architect passed away at 73 after being struck by a tram, leaving behind an unfinished masterpiece that has become one of the most visited structures in the world, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began during the papacy of Leo's predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, and it represents a "summary of the Christian faith carved in stone." The basilica features the significant stories of Jesus' life depicted on its façades, highlighting the Nativity and Passion. Currently, the basilica has a total of 18 towering spires, symbolizing various aspects of Christianity, including 12 for the apostles and additional ones for the Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest Tower of Jesus Christ, which stands at 172.5 meters (564 feet), making it the tallest church in the world.
The interior of Sagrada Familia is designed to resemble a forest, with treelike columns that ascend towards the sky. Natural light flows through stained glass windows, creating a dynamic play of color reminiscent of sun filtering through leaves. Gaudí, who viewed nature as his greatest teacher, infused this philosophy into every aspect of the basilica's design.
Historian Mònica Santín, who conducts tours of the Sagrada Familia, notes that the two primary inspirations behind Gaudí’s work were the Gospels and the natural world. She emphasizes that the way light enters the space serves as an invitation to enter into the Christian mystery depicted in the three façades, which represent Christ's birth, death, and glory.
As the Pope prepares for the evening Mass, he will formally consecrate the newly finished Christ tower, further solidifying Sagrada Familia's status as a monumental tribute to Christianity and Gaudí's life-long dedication to his art.
