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Vatican Advances Antoni Gaudí’s Cause for Sainthood
The Vatican has officially recognized Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s “heroic virtues,” placing him on the path to sainthood within the Catholic Church. Gaudí, often called “God’s architect,” is globally renowned as the designer behind the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, a famed Spanish religious site and major tourist destination.
“Venerable” Title Declared
On Monday, the Vatican released a formal declaration from Pope Francis, bestowing upon the Catalonia-born Gaudí the title of “venerable.” This designation marks a significant initial phase in the lengthy process toward formal canonization as a saint within the Catholic Church.
This pronouncement represents the latest progression in a decades-long campaign advocating for Gaudí, a devout Catholic throughout his life, to be recognized as a saint by the Church.
Archbishop of Barcelona Hails Decision
Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona, expressed his “joy” regarding the Vatican’s announcement.
“It is an acknowledgment not only of his architectural contributions but something more profound,” Cardinal Omella stated, as reported by AFP news agency.
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He further elaborated, “He conveys that you… amidst life’s challenges, amidst labor, amidst sorrow, amidst suffering, are destined for sainthood.”
Path to Sainthood: Beatification and Canonization
The conventional procedure for declaring an individual a saint typically involves beatification as the subsequent stage, preceding full sainthood or canonization.
Beatification is a classification reserved for martyrs, individuals recognized for living lives of heroic virtue, and candidates who have attained a saintly reputation as recognized by the Church.
In Gaudí’s case, who tragically died in 1926 after a tram accident while en route to church, the Vatican would likely necessitate evidence of a post-mortem miracle attributed to his intercession to proceed with beatification.
Gaudí’s Enduring Legacy in Barcelona
Born in 1852, Antoni Gaudí’s most celebrated architectural creations continue to draw countless visitors to Barcelona, the epicenter of his architectural heritage.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia basilica commenced in 1883 and, remarkably, remains ongoing.
Alongside other notable works by Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.