Pope Francis has recognized Antoni Gaud\u00e1’s heroic virtues, marking the first official appointment of the 88-year-old architect since his illness with life-threatening pneumonia.
The Sagrada Família, Barcelona. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images.
Antoni Gaudí, widely regarded as ‘God’s architect’ for his piety and the religious imagery woven through his works, has taken another step towards sainthood. Pope Francis has recognized Gaudí‘s ‘heroic virtues,’ marking the first official appointment of the 88-year-old architect since his illness with life-threatening pneumonia.
Antoni Gaudí was a Spanish architect from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
He is best known for his unique, modernist style that blended Gothic, 'Art Nouveau' , and Catalan elements.
Born in Reus, Catalonia, Gaudí studied architecture at the University of Barcelona.
His most famous works include the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló.
Gaudí's innovative use of materials and forms revolutionized architecture, making him one of the most influential architects of his time.
Gaudí devotees have called for him to be named a saint for over three decades, citing the transformative power of his ‘The Sagrada Família basilica’ . The fantasy spires and intricate stonework of this iconic building have convinced some to convert to Catholicism, sparking a movement of 80,000 people worldwide who pray to Gaudí, beseeching him to perform miracles.
Located in Barcelona, Spain, the Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous buildings in the world.
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, construction began in 1882 and continues to this day.
The cathedral features 18 spires, including the tallest, the Jesus Christ, which reaches 170 meters.
Its unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles has made it a beloved landmark.
Over 3 million visitors per year make it one of the most visited sites globally.
The declaration by the Vatican is one of the initial steps in the long and complex process towards sainthood. Before Gaudí can be beatified, he must undergo this first step. The church has been considering his request since the early 2000s, as construction of ‘the Sagrada Família’ began in 1882. Despite devoting the last 12 years of his life to the project, it remains the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world.
Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the building in 2010, praising Gaudí‘s ‘genius’ in transforming the church into a ‘praise to God made of stone.’ The completion date for the Sagrada Família was initially set for 2026, but it has been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic.
- theguardian.com | Vatican puts ‘God’s architect’ Antoni Gaudí on path to sainthood
