After praying the midday Angelus with the crowds in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope told the Spanish speakers: «Today’s liturgy invites us to live the wisdom of vigilance, to enter the eternal banquet» because «the encounter with God is not improvised; it is something that must happen throughout one’s life.»
God «is found by those who seek Him,» he said.
The Holy Father added: «I remember that a year ago tomorrow, in Barcelona, I had the joy of dedicating the Basilica of the Holy Family, that admirable sum of skill, beauty and faith conceived by the brilliant architect, Servant of God Antoni Gaudí.»
The Pontiff concluded with a greeting in Catalan: «Bon diumenge» and in Spanish: «Happy Sunday to all.»
The Holy Family Church of Barcelona, which is considered the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), has been under construction since 1882. While it’s not expected to be completed until 2026, the church opened for public worship and tours last year in September.
