Pope Leo at the Sagrada Família underscores need to work for peace

Vatican, June 12, 2026: Pope Leo XIV commenced his visit to the Sagrada Família by praying before the Blessed Sacrament and paying tribute at the tomb of Antoni Gaudí, whose vision transformed the Basilica into a monumental expression of Christian faith through architecture, light, colour, and symbolism. Presiding over Mass on the centenary of Gaudí’s death and the blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the Pope reflected on the Gospel’s call to faith and emphasised that genuine belief in Christ cannot coexist with violence, indifference, or disregard for those who suffer.

In his homily, delivered in Catalan and Spanish, he recalled a passage from the Gospel of John: “you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He.” He observed that these are powerful words, yet also an invitation to salvation. He stressed that you cannot believe in Jesus and wage war. We cannot believe in Jesus and kill the innocent. We cannot believe in Jesus and abandon those who suffer, who weep, who flee from poverty.

Greeting King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who welcomed him alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, together with political and ecclesiastical authorities, Pope Leo noted that the Basilica of the Sagrada Família opens its doors like outstretched arms, welcoming everyone to this altar to hear the Word of God, which makes us a family loved by the Lord and nourished by His very life in the Eucharist.

Addressing civil and religious leaders, he described the Basilica as a symbol of unity that brings people together around God’s Word and the Eucharist. Referring to its architecture, he likened the Church to a living structure composed of many stones, with Christ as its foundation and ultimate purpose. The continuing construction of the Basilica, he said, reflects the Christian life as a work constantly being completed by God, inviting believers to cooperate in His plan.

The Pope highlighted the spiritual significance of the Basilica’s design, explaining that its façades and the newly blessed Tower of Jesus Christ direct attention to the Cross as a sign of redemption, hope, and divine love. The illuminated cross atop the tower stands as a visible witness to faith and a beacon for the city. He emphasised that art has a distinctive role in expressing faith and praised Gaudí for creating a spiritual journey that leads visitors to an encounter with Christ.

Concluding his homily, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to those who have contributed to the construction of the Sagrada Família and described the Basilica as both an architectural masterpiece and a powerful means of evangelisation. He encouraged the faithful not only to raise their eyes towards Christ but also to uplift those who are marginalised and suffering, allowing the Basilica’s message of hope and charity to shape Christian life and witness.

Courtesy: Vatican News