Representatives from Reus and Riudoms were present this Tuesday at the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona to commemorate the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death. The events included a floral offering before the crypt where his remains lie and a solemn mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV.

The floral offering, an intimate ceremony with about fifty guests, recalled Gaudí's origins, his family connections, and the influence of nature on his work. The event was attended by the Minister of Culture of the Generalitat, Sònia Hernández, and the president of the Sagrada Familia Construction Board Foundation, Esteve Camps.

Delegations from the Reus City Council, on behalf of the mayor Sandra Guaita, and an institutional representation from Riudoms, led by its mayor Ricard Gili, attended the commemoration. Also present were Lluís Aragonès, commissioner of the Gaudí Year in Riudoms; the first deputy mayor, Anna Moragas, and the second deputy mayor, Arnau Carbonell.

Subsequently, the representatives participated in the solemn mass. The mayor of Reus, Sandra Guaita, highlighted the connection between the pontiff's visit to Catalonia and Gaudí's figure. From the basilica, Guaita advocated for "Gaudí's talent, innovative capacity, and international projection," as well as the mark that Reus left on his career.

The celebration culminated with the blessing and inauguration of the Tower of Jesus, the tallest in the Sagrada Familia and in Barcelona (172.5 meters). Pope Leo XIV presided over this moment, speaking in both Catalan and Spanish, marking the end of the commemoration. The day concluded with a light and music show for thousands of people, paying homage to the architect before the pontiff's journey to the Canary Islands.