Pope consecrates Barcelona’s famous church

07/11/10 13:20 CET

world news

| |

Pope Benedict has consecrated Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia church.

The fantastically embellished modernist structure, designed by Antoni Gaudi, has been under construction for 128 years and the building is not expected to be completed until 2023.

It has never been used before as a church and when it is finished it will be able to seat more than 10,000 people.

During his mass, the Pope heaped praise on the building which, when completed, will have 18 soaring towers representing important figures of Christianity as well as intricate sculptures detailing the life of Jesus.

The pontiff, however, also pourned scorn on what he called Spain’s “aggressive secularism” and attacked abortion and gay marriage.

More about: Barcelona, Benedict XVI, Religion

| |

Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…