The Vatican has officially placed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí on the path toward sainthood, acknowledging his "heroic virtues" and contributions to faith through his work. Gaudí, known as "God's architect," is celebrated for designing the renowned Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, a site that attracts millions of visitors each year.
On Monday, the Vatican publicized a statement confirming that Pope Francis had given his approval for a decree that designates Gaudí as "venerable," an initial yet significant step in the process of canonization.
This development comes as part of a prolonged effort spanning several decades aimed at recognizing the legacy of Gaudí, a devout Catholic whose life's work is intertwined with his faith. Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona, expressed enthusiasm over the announcement, stating that it represents a profound acknowledgment not only of Gaudí’s architectural genius but also a reminder that amid life's adversities, individuals are called to sainthood.
Following this designation, the next phase in the canonization process typically involves beatification, which generally requires evidence of a miracle attributed to the individual after their death. Gaudí, who tragically passed away in 1926 after an accident en route to church, may need further validation of such a miracle for the Church to advance him toward full sainthood.
Born in 1852, Gaudí's legacy endures, with the Sagrada Familia still under construction since 1883 and included in UNESCO's World Heritage list alongside several other masterpieces he created. The basilica received consecration from Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, further cementing Gaudí's place in ecclesiastical history. As the process unfolds, many will watch closely to see whether the architect will ultimately be declared a saint.
