Crowds react to Pope Leo XIV’s arrival to Barcelona

On June 10, thousands gathered around the Sagrada Família to witness Pope Leo XIV arrive and bless the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, drawing many from around the world to witness a historic event.

The day started with foggy skies, with many people in the city preparing to see Pope Leo XIV drive through the streets of Barcelona toward the Sagrada Família, the world’s tallest church.

This year, the Sagrada Família finished building its main structure: the Tower of Jesus Christ, a grand cross placed at the highest peak, making the structure 172.5 meters.

That evening, Pope Leo XIV led Mass honoring the centenary of Antoni Gaudi, the mastermind behind the design and structure of the Sagrada, and to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ.

Around 4 p.m., when the clouds cleared, crowds could be seen gathering around the streets of the Sagrada Família, where the popemobile would later pass through.

Through its colorful streets, one could observe the Catholic influences the city of Barcelona presents.

“Barcelona still has a very good religious heritage, and for myself, I can tell you that young people are coming back to the faith, so it kind of feels like a sign of revival, like an acknowledgment,” a local resident from Terrassa, Spain, said.

Pope Leo XIV was to give a speech that evening, with anticipation about the address of global politics.

“I think it is a positive arrival because those of us who have faith in God were hoping for this visit so that the pope could offer guidance to politicians,” Amoa Charlotte Kodjane, an attendee from the Ivory Coast, said.

Later in the evening when the crowds became larger, one could observe the flags of multiple countries being showcased by the crowd, from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and many others.

You could also observe flags and messages highlighting political tension. Many Catalonian independence flags were waved, along with Spanish ones. Els Segadors, Catalonia’s national anthem, was heard by a crowd an hour before the pope arrived.

On the street of Camp d’en Grassot, you could also see a cloth with the message “WE NEED HOMES NOT TOURIST,” hanging from an apartment building, alongside a Palestinian flag.

However, attendees said that the pope’s presence symbolized a message of hope despite the tensions.

“He keeps bringing that kind of message of telling people to keep together…we are all like brothers and sisters regarding God. So, I think, like, keeping the message to bring people together…I think that’s the only way to have a future in the world. And I hope that he keeps talking about that,” Ana Andrade, an attendee from Brazil, said.

Around 7:10 p.m., the pope arrived in his popemobile as it made its way toward the Sagrada Família. Crowds roared in excitement and joy while chanting “¡Viva el Papa!” (“Long live the pope!”) to welcome Pope Leo XIV.

As the evening continued, Mass was held, and the pope blessed the Tower of Jesus Christ.

At 9:15 p.m., a light show was held at the Sagrada Família, as the pope stood on the steps while the chorus filled the atmosphere with melodies.

The night concluded with a firework show, with the Sagrada Família illuminating striking light.

“It was a really beautiful ceremony, just having his hymn so close to us, it was very moving, and also really special and beautiful,” Monica Borrell, a Barcelona local and singer at the ceremony, said.