Pope Francis has officially recognized the heroic virtues of Antoni Gaudí, the esteemed architect known for his groundbreaking work on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, positioning him on the path to possible sainthood. A decree was signed on Monday, elevating Gaudí to the status of "venerable," as announced by the Vatican. For Gaudí's beatification, however, a miracle attributed to him must be validated, followed by the confirmation of another miracle for official canonization, a process that can span many years, or even centuries.
In honoring Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia basilica’s website highlighted that after Gaudí passed away at the age of 73, a prominent figure within the Church praised him as "God's architect," due to his extraordinary contributions to sacred architecture. The basilica emphasized that Gaudí's work “opens hearts to beauty with its beauty.”
Gaudí i Cornet was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Spain, and later moved to Barcelona, where he graduated with an architecture degree in 1878. After engaging with multiple small projects, his talents attracted larger commissions, changing the architectural landscape of the region.
His partnership with the influential architect Joan Martorell i Montells led to his introduction to Eusebio Güell, a wealthy industrialist whose patronage enabled many of Gaudí’s iconic works, which continue to astound visitors.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, with Gaudí assuming control of the project a year later at just 31 years old. He devoted over four decades to the basilica—his last 12 years focused solely on its completion. However, the ambitious project remains unfinished and continues to be a centerpiece of Gaudí's extraordinary architectural legacy.
In honoring Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia basilica’s website highlighted that after Gaudí passed away at the age of 73, a prominent figure within the Church praised him as "God's architect," due to his extraordinary contributions to sacred architecture. The basilica emphasized that Gaudí's work “opens hearts to beauty with its beauty.”
Gaudí i Cornet was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Spain, and later moved to Barcelona, where he graduated with an architecture degree in 1878. After engaging with multiple small projects, his talents attracted larger commissions, changing the architectural landscape of the region.
His partnership with the influential architect Joan Martorell i Montells led to his introduction to Eusebio Güell, a wealthy industrialist whose patronage enabled many of Gaudí’s iconic works, which continue to astound visitors.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, with Gaudí assuming control of the project a year later at just 31 years old. He devoted over four decades to the basilica—his last 12 years focused solely on its completion. However, the ambitious project remains unfinished and continues to be a centerpiece of Gaudí's extraordinary architectural legacy.
