The Sagrada Familia faces its pinnacle moment ahead of the possible visit of Pope Leo XIV

“Human work cannot surpass divine work in its humility.”

Interview by Pilar García Muñiz with José Manuel Almuzara on the program La Tarde de COPE, conducted on February 12, 2026, regarding the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ and the legacy of Gaudí.

In a recent interview with Pilar García Muñiz on La Tarde de COPE, architect José Manuel Almuzara analyzed the historic milestone currently being experienced by the Sagrada Familia. The Tower of Jesus Christ is nearing completion, with its inauguration scheduled for June 10, 2026. This date is significant as it coincides with the centenary of the passing of Antoni Gaudí. With this structure, the temple will become the tallest church in the world after more than 140 years of construction.

During the radio conversation, the preparations to receive Pope Leo XIV on a potential tour of Spain were discussed. The planned itinerary would include strategic stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands to highlight the migration crisis on the Atlantic route. Almuzara emphasized that the Pontiff's presence at the tower's inauguration would grant a universal dimension to the event. The Holy See has not yet officially confirmed the trip, but the organizing committee is already working intensely.

“It must serve to awaken the lukewarmness of slumbering hearts. José Manuel Almuzara, Architect and Gaudí expert.”

Almuzara detailed to the listeners of COPE that the tower will reach a height of 172.5 meters and will be crowned by a four-armed cross. This elevation was meticulously decided by Gaudí so as not to exceed the height of Montjuïc mountain out of respect for divine creation. The architect explained that the cross will be visible from any angle, definitively transforming the Barcelona skyline. Currently, work is focused on the final phase of removing scaffolding for the designated date.

Despite the progress on the main tower, the overall project still faces significant challenges, such as the construction of the Glory Facade. Almuzara estimated in the interview that these final works could be delayed until the period between 2033 and 2035. Gaudí's philosophy regarding constructive patience remains in effect under the premise that his client is not in a hurry. The expiatory nature of the temple is maintained thanks to donations and visits that finance the work.

“Human work cannot surpass divine work in its humility. José Manuel Almuzara, Architect and Gaudí expert.”

In the spiritual realm, the progress of the beatification process of Antoni Gaudí was discussed after he was declared Venerable in 2023. José Manuel Almuzara, a promoter of this cause since 1992, stressed that the goal is to recognize the holiness behind his architecture. Currently, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints is expected to validate one of the miracles presented to complete the process. The ultimate purpose of the building is to awaken faith in hearts that have grown lukewarm.

📰 Artículo original: https://www.cope.es/programas/la-tarde/noticias/dios-prisa-s…