Pope Leo XIV has described Barcelona’s Sagrada Família as a masterpiece of “stones, colours and light” as he inaugurated its newest – and tallest – tower.

The giant Tower of Jesus Christ, completed in February, has brought the church to a soaring height of 172.5m (566ft) – cementing it as the tallest church in the world.

His visit to the iconic basilica also marks 100 years since the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudí.

Among those attending the service were Spanish royals King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, as well as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The pope’s week-long visit to Spain, which began on Saturday, is the first by a pope in some 15 years.