Renowned for his devout faith and iconic architectural masterpieces, Antoni Gaudí—often referred to as “God’s architect”—has officially taken the first step toward sainthood. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has recognized the "heroic virtues" of the visionary behind Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, a crucial milestone in the Catholic Church’s canonization process.
The decision was made public following one of Pope Francis’s first official acts after recovering from a serious illness. By acknowledging Gaudí’s virtuous life, the Church has laid the groundwork for his beatification—the next step before full sainthood.
Gaudí passed away nearly 100 years ago, but admiration for his spiritual and artistic legacy has endured. His work on the Sagrada Família, filled with Christian symbolism and devotion, has inspired faith in many and drawn millions of visitors from around the world. Supporters of his cause for sainthood have petitioned the Church for decades, claiming that Gaudí’s life and work moved people spiritually and even led some to convert to Catholicism.
In the early 2000s, a formal push for Gaudí’s beatification gained momentum. José Manuel Almuzara, a prominent advocate and president of the Gaudí Beatification Association at the time, described it as a global effort of tens of thousands praying to Gaudí and seeking divine intercession.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 and became Gaudí’s life’s mission. He dedicated the final 12 years of his life solely to the basilica, though it remains unfinished to this day. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica, calling it a “stone hymn of praise to God,” in honor of Gaudí’s artistic genius.
Originally projected for completion in 2026, to mark the centenary of Gaudí’s death, work on the Sagrada Família faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted funding and progress.
Now, with the Vatican’s latest declaration, Gaudí’s cause enters a new chapter. If beatified, he would then be eligible for canonization, pending the verification of miracles attributed to him.
Gaudí's path to sainthood is a testament not only to his faith but also to the power of art and architecture to inspire deep spiritual reflection. As the world continues to marvel at the Sagrada Família, his legacy remains very much alive—and now, possibly divine.
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