The architect who designed one of the most emblematic symbols of Barcelona and the entire world, the Sagrada Familia, remains an inspiring figure. This Monday, Pope Francis has taken a crucial step in the beatification process of Antoni Gaudí.
Thus, he has approved the decree recognizing the "heroic virtues" of the Catalan genius. A gesture that has ignited new hope among the thousands of admirers and devotees of the architect. Gaudí, through his work, united faith with the beauty of nature.
Pope Francis makes a last-minute decision
Despite being convalescent from a respiratory infection, Pope Francis has signed this decree. It is an important advancement in the long process of canonization of the architect born in Reus in 1852 and who died in Barcelona in 1926.
The approval of this decree establishes that Gaudí lived the Christian virtues heroically. The first step to being recognized as a "Venerable Servant of God." A distinction that paves the way for his possible beatification and, ultimately, his canonization.
The cause for Gaudí's beatification was initiated three decades ago by the Association for the Probeatification of Antoni Gaudí. In recent years, the cause has gained momentum thanks to the work of the Canonical Association, presided over by Cardinal Juan José Omella.
This group accelerated the process, presenting the essential arguments in 2023 before the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. According to the Association, Gaudí was not only a great architect but also a "witness of faith."
The Pope gives the green light to the start of Gaudí's beatification process
The process for Gaudí's beatification includes several steps, such as the verification of miracles attributable to his intercession. In this regard, it will be necessary to verify two miracles for Gaudí to be canonized, one after his beatification and another afterward.
This is the same path followed by all beatification causes. A long road, but full of hope for those who believe in the spiritual legacy of the architect. Gaudí's relationship with faith was also highlighted by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Spain in 2010.
Antoni Gaudí, for many, is the living representation of the fusion between art and spirituality. Now, with this decree, the path to his canonization seems closer than ever.