The Best Photos of Pope Leo and the Spanish Royal Family at Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

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Pope Leo waves to the crowd as he is driven through the streets of Barcelona.

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A general view of the crowds outside of the Sagrada Família as Pope Leo arrives.

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King Felipe, along with Queen Letizia, welcomes Pope Leo outside of the Passion Façade, one of the three monumental entrances of the basilica.

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The King and Queen are seen after entering the church.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his wife Begona Gomez find their seats.

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Queen Letizia and King Felipe bow their heads at the altar during the mass.

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The mass is expected to last approximately 90 minutes and will feature Gregorian chant, liturgical music from the Catalan tradition, and performances by children’s choirs. Following the conclusion of the service around 9:30 p.m., a procession outside the basilica will mark the formal inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the final spire to be completed.

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Pope Leo is wearing gold vestments, a color traditionally reserved for the most solemn occasions and major feasts.

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The King and Queen are sitting in a section near the altar called the sanctuary with the bishops.

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Catholic bishops are seen proceeding down the aisle during the basilica’s inaugural mass.

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An exterior view of the Sagrada Familia; the final tower to be completed can be seen in the center with the largest white cross at the top.

Rachel King (she/her) is a news writer at Town & Country. Before joining T&C, she spent nearly a decade as an editor at Fortune. Her work covering travel and lifestyle has appeared in Forbes, Observer, Robb Report, Cruise Critic, and Cool Hunting, among others. Originally from San Francisco, she lives in New York with her wife, their daughter, and a precocious labradoodle. Follow her on Instagram at @rk.passport.

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