The Vatican has put Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí on the path to sainthood in acknowledgement of his ‘heroic virtues’.
Often referred to as ‘God’s architect’, Gaudí was a Catalan architect and designer, known as the greatest exponent of Modernisme. He is renowned for designing the iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona – one of the world’s most recognised religious landmarks and tourist destinations, despite it still being ‘unfinished’.
In a statement released on Monday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had approved a decree naming Gaudí ‘venerable’, a formal designation that marks an early phase in the process of sainthood within the Catholic Church.
This marks a major milestone in a campaign that has been on-going for decades, aiming to have Gaudí, a deeply faithful Catholic, officially recognised as a saint.
Cardinal Juan José Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona, expressed his delight at the announcement, reportedly describing it as a ‘joy’.
‘It is a recognition not only of his architectural work but something more important,’ he told local media. ‘He is saying you … amid life’s difficulties, amid work, amid pain, amid suffering, are destined to be saints.’
The next formal step in the canonisation process is beatification – a stage just before full sainthood. This status is typically granted to martyrs, individuals recognised for their exceptional virtue, or those with a strong reputation for holiness.
In Gaudí’s case, who passed away in 1926 after being struck by a tram on his way to church, the Church will likely require confirmation of some ‘miracle’ attributed to him after his death before proceeding with beatification.
When Gaudí passed away, ecclesiastical Manel Trens i Ribas nicknamed him ‘God’s architect’, as the unfinished basilica is able to ‘welcome Beauty thanks to its beauty’ – according to a statement shared by the Sagrada Família management.
Born in 1852, Gaudí left a lasting imprint on Barcelona, with many of his architectural masterpieces continuing to draw global admiration. The Sagrada Familia, under construction since 1883, remains unfinished to this day.
This basilica, along with several other works by Gaudí, has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It was also consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
Please support Spain in English with a donation.
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.
Click here for further details on how to ADVERTISE with us.