CA, US & World
Pope Leo to Bless World's Tallest Church Tower Tonight in Barcelona
Pope Leo is traveling to Barcelona on Wednesday evening to bless the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, marking the moment the iconic basilica officially becomes the tallest church in the world.
The tower stands 566 feet tall and is crowned with a 24-ton ceramic cross, completing a skyline landmark that has been under construction for more than a century. NBC's Raf Sanchez reports from Barcelona that while the church is still not fully finished, it already draws millions of visitors every year, including around 700,000 Americans.
For many of those visitors, the experience is hard to put into words. "Breathless. Overwhelmed. Quite like nothing I've ever felt before inside of another building," said Leslie Lambert, a U.S. tourist who visited the church. "There's nothing like this."
Pope Leo will hold mass inside the church tonight, marking exactly 100 years since the death of the man who first imagined it. Legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, whose distinctive vision shaped every curve and tower of the building, died in 1926 after being struck by a tram. His design has been carried forward by generations of builders ever since.
Chiara Curti, an expert on Gaudí's work, says his appeal crosses every cultural boundary. "He manages to connect with everyone, and we see this, people come from all over the world to see the Sagrada Família," she said.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 10, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings