Barcelona’s skyline has a new, symbolic addition. Atop the recently completed Tower of Jesus Christ, the highest point of the Sagrada Familia, two flags now fly against the sky: the Catalan Senyera and the official flag of the Vatican City State. Their placement marks a historic milestone for Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, which last Friday reached its definitive maximum height of 172.5 metres after 144 years of construction.

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The final piece, the upper arm of the four-pointed cross crowning the central tower, was hoisted into place, bringing an end to the vertical construction of the basilica. Following the achievement, crews raised the two flags in a gesture rich with meaning. The raising of the Catalan flag follows a long-standing tradition in the local construction industry, where the Senyera is displayed to signify that a major structure has been completed without any serious setbacks.

Whilst the Catalan flag was an expected sight, the appearance of the yellow and white Vatican flag has prompted curiosity. Officials at the Sagrada Familia explained that its presence celebrates the basilica’s status as the tallest Catholic church in the world, a distinction that reinforces its deep connection to the Holy See.

A Record in the Making

The Sagrada Familia officially became the world’s tallest church in October 2025, when its central tower surpassed the 161.53-metre spire of Germany’s Ulm Minster, which had held the title since 1890. However, it was the final placement of the cross last week that cemented its full, planned height. As Barna.News previously reported, this moment fulfils a key part of Gaudí’s architectural vision, completing the monumental central spire dedicated to Jesus.

Despite this record, Gaudí’s temple is not the tallest religious building on the planet. That honour belongs to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, whose minaret reaches an impressive 210 metres.

Gaudí’s Path to Sainthood

The basilica’s architectural completion coincides with growing momentum for its creator’s spiritual recognition. In April 2025, Pope Francis declared Antoni Gaudí ‘venerable’, the first of three major steps towards being canonised as a saint in the Catholic Church. According to the Vatican’s official portal, the architect considered the basilica’s construction “a mission entrusted by God,” transforming the original neo-Gothic plans into a revolutionary design inspired by nature and filled with Christian symbolism.

With ‘venerable’ status confirmed, the next stage is beatification. This requires the Holy See to verify a miracle attributed to Gaudí’s intercession. According to a report in El Periódico, Cardinal Joan Josep Omella of Barcelona stated that church officials are currently “studying” the possible attribution of a miracle. Officials hope to have Gaudí declared ‘blessed’ in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of his death.

This growing devotion is already tangible. The basilica’s rector, Mosén Josep Maria Turull, noted that since Gaudí was declared venerable, they have been observing “more candles than ever at his tomb.” The architect’s final resting place in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia is increasingly becoming a site of pilgrimage for the faithful.

A Papal Visit for the Centenary

The year 2026 is shaping up to be monumental for the basilica. The new flags serve as a prelude to a much-anticipated event: a visit from Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is expected in Barcelona for the official inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ, an event scheduled for June 10, 2026.

The date is profoundly significant, as it marks exactly 100 years since Gaudí’s death in 1926. Thousands of worshippers will gather as the Pope formally blesses the completed tower, a ceremony culminating nearly a century and a half of faith, artistry, and labour. The planned papal inauguration in June will celebrate not only a global architectural icon but also the enduring spiritual mission of its visionary creator.