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At the Sagrada Familia, Pope Leo XIII emphasized the necessity of striving for peace.
Pope Leo XIV began his visit to the Sagrada Família with a prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and then visited the tomb of Antoni Gaudí. The vision of Gaudí transformed the Basilica into an important architectural expression of Christian faith, noted for its use of light, color, and symbolism. While he was celebrating Mass on the centenary of the death of Gaudí and on the occasion of the blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the Pope thought about the invitation of the Gospel to faith and underlined that true faith in Christ cannot go together with violence, with indifference, or with neglect towards those who are in affliction.
Celebration at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família (@Vatican Media)
In the homily, which was given in Catalan and Spanish, he made reference to a verse from the Gospel of John: “you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He.” He stressed that though these words are powerful, they are also an invitation to salvation. He said one cannot believe in Jesus when involved in warfare. He added that one cannot profess faith in Jesus and take the lives of the innocent. Moreover, we cannot truly believe in Jesus and turn our backs on those who suffer, who weep, and who flee from poverty.
Celebration at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família (@Vatican Media)
In his address to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who received him in the company of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and various political and ecclesiastical dignitaries, Pope Leo emphasized that the Basilica of the Sagrada Família extends its welcoming arms, inviting all to this sacred altar to hear the Word of God, which unites us as a family cherished by the Lord and sustained by His life in the Eucharist.
Celebration at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família (@Vatican Media)
He addressed those present in the Basilica, that is, civil and religious leaders, and said that the Basilica is a symbol of unity among people for the Word of God and the Eucharist. He referred to the Church as an edifice living, built of many stones, with Christ as its foundation and ultimate goal. He said that the continuous construction of the Basilica shows the Christian journey as something always to be done under the guidance of God, and so he urged the faithful to take part in His divine plan.
Celebration at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família (@Vatican Media)
The Pope stressed what he called the "spiritual content" of the Basilica's design, noting that its façades and the Tower of Jesus Christ, which he had recently consecrated, point to the Cross as a symbol of redemption, hope, and divine love. The cross atop the tower, lit up at night, is a very real sign of faith and a point of reference for the whole city. He underlined the special role of art in expressing faith, praising Gaudí for creating a spiritual journey by which visitors can come into contact with Christ.
Celebration at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família (@Vatican Media)
In conclusion of his homily, Pope Leo gave thanks to all those who had contributed to the building of the Sagrada Família and described the Basilica as an architectural marvel and a great instrument for evangelization. He urged the faithful to look not only to Christ but also to the peripheries and to those who suffer, so that the message of hope and charity that the Basilica embodies may reach Christian life and testimony.