Sagrada Familia reaches record height with completion of Jesus Christ Tower

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona has officially become the tallest church in the world following the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ. The tower reaches a height of 172.5 meters and is topped by a monumental cross. Construction of the basilica began 144 years ago and has been hampered by wars, political instability, and financial difficulties. The project's completion coincides with the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudi, who passed away in June 1926. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to perform a celebratory mass and blessing of the structure. While interior work and non-structural elements remain, 2026 has been designated as the target year for the final completion of the basilica. The structure, which includes 18 towers in total, is considered one of the most significant architectural achievements of the modern era, requiring the reconstruction of original plans destroyed in the 1930s.