The Vatican has begun the process for Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, known for the iconic Sagrada Familia, to be declared a saint, recognizing his contributions to architecture and his devout Catholic faith.
Vatican Moves Forward with Sainthood Process for Antoni Gaudí
Vatican Moves Forward with Sainthood Process for Antoni Gaudí
Pope Francis recognizes the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí for his "heroic virtues," paving the way for his potential canonization.
The Vatican has initiated proceedings to declare Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí a saint, following a decree from Pope Francis recognizing his "heroic virtues." Widely celebrated as "God's architect," Gaudí is most famous for designing the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, one of Spain's most iconic religious sites and tourist attractions.
On Monday, the Vatican officially announced this significant step, naming Gaudí "venerable," which is a crucial stage in the lengthy canonization process for saints. This recognition stems from decades of advocacy for Gaudí's legacy as a deeply devout Catholic who poured his faith into his work, prompting the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, to express joy over the news. He emphasized that this recognition transcends architectural achievements, stating it signifies a call to holiness amidst life's adversities.
The canonization trajectory typically involves beatification, which is one step away from full sainthood and entails the validation of a miraculous act attributed to the candidate posthumously. In Gaudí's case, who tragically died in 1926 after an accident while en route to church, the Vatican would likely seek evidence of such a miracle to advance his cause.
Gaudí, born in 1852, is renowned for various architectural masterpieces that draw millions of tourists to Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1883, remains incomplete and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with many of Gaudí's celebrated creations. It was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, further solidifying its significance within the Catholic Church. As discussions around Gaudí's potential sainthood continue, many are curious whether he will indeed be canonized in the future.
