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Antoni Gaudí, closer to becoming blessed: the Pope recognises his “heroic virtues”
Antoni Gaudí is no longer only the genius behind the Sagrada Família. Since this April, he has also officially been venerable to the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has recognised his “heroic virtues”, taking a decisive step towards his beatification and bringing his figure closer to the altars, more than a century after he began transforming Barcelona with his faith turned to stone.
This new milestone in the canonical process is the result of more than thirty years of work. In 1992, the first association to promote his cause was founded. Decades later, and with the impetus of Cardinal Juan José Omella, the positio — the document setting out the spiritual and human reasons supporting beatification — reached the Vatican. Today, the Pontiff's signature places Gaudí on the threshold of sainthood.
But for beatification to become a reality, one final element is missing: a miracle. An inexplicable event attributed to his intercession. Until then, Gaudí will be remembered for what he always was: a man who not only dreamed of impossible temples, but lived his profession as an act of prayer.
Barcelona celebrates the news with pride. For rarely have art, faith and humility intertwined with as much beauty as in the life — and work — of Antoni Gaudí.
You can pay tribute to the architect and admire his creations with our list.