Barcelona's Sagrada Familia aims to finish tallest tower in 2026

The construction board has invited Pope Leo XIV to preside over a solemn mass on June 10, marking 100 years since the architect's death after being struck by a tram.

"We hope to receive a response this month," the head of the board, Esteve Camps, told a news conference.

Work on the 172.5-metre (566-foot) central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, the highest of the 18 designed by Gaudi, is scheduled to finish early in 2026 with the placement of a giant cross.

Following Gaudí's original design, the structure will remain just below the height of Barcelona's Montjuic hill, which rises 177 metres and will continue to dominate the skyline of Spain's second-largest city.

The centenary events will not mark the end of construction of what has been billed the world's most famous unfinished building.

The project, begun in 1882, has faced wars, funding crises and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic, which scuttled hopes of completing the entire basilica by 2026.

The construction board has not set a new completion date.

"We have spoken of in about 10 years, but it is only an estimate," said chief architect Jordi Fauli.

One major obstacle remains a controversial staircase planned for the basilica's future main entrance.

The design would require demolishing several housing blocks, an issue that has sparked protests and remains under negotiation with Barcelona city authorities.

The work on the building is funded mainly by admission receipts.

The iconic basilica drew nearly 4.9 million visitors last year, making it one of Barcelona's main tourist attractions.