On Wednesday, the peak of the new tower dedicated to the Virgin Mary was inaugurated in the basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
The tower is now topped by a star, in honor of the Virgin Mary. It marks an important step in the construction of the basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, the brilliant architect who died in 1926.
Pope Francis took the opportunity to send this message to city of Barcelona.
POPE FRANCIS
'I encourage you too to follow the example of the Virgin Mary with daily gestures of love and service.
I pray that each one of you will make Barcelona more livable and welcoming for all, and I commend in a special way those people in roles roles with greater responsibility.'
The Pope asked the people of Barcelona continue praying for the poor and marginalized, and to work against excluding the most disadvantaged from society.
JM