Catholic artists have welcomed an announcement from Pope Francis which is paving the way for the canonisation of the architect Antoni Gaudí. Earlier this week the Vatican confirmed that Gaudí had been decreed “venerable” in recognition of his “heroic virtues”, the next step on the path to Catholic sainthood.
Known as “God’s architect”, Gaudí is the most famous exponent of Catalan Modernisme. Most examples of his design, influenced by both nature and Christianity, are to be found in Barcelona. This includes his greatest achievement: the Sagrada Família church, which is due to be completed next year, 144 years after it was started in 1882.
Welcoming the news, Kathleen Carr, president of the Catholic Art Institute told The Art Newspaper: “Gaudí lived his vocation as an artist in an exemplary manner with his work being informed by prayer, the liturgy and as well as a close study of nature. His love of nature and close study of it gave rise to his signature curvilinear designs which he imaginatively blended with the Gothic style in the Sagrada Família...design.”
She added: “The vocation of the Christian artist is twofold; to glorify God through the work of their hands and also aid in drawing the faithful to prayer, reverence and awe. Artists are tasked with helping make invisible realities visible through painting, sculpture, instruments of the mass and particularly in Church architecture.”
If made a saint, Gaudí would join a number of other artists officially recognised by the Church. These include St Catherine of Bologna (1413–1463), a nun in the order of Saint Clare, a mystic, and gifted artist known for her beautifully illuminated manuscripts and spiritual writings. She was canonised in 1712. More recently, Fra Angelico, the Dominican friar and painter famed for his impressive frescoes, was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982, and declared the patron of Catholic artists.
Father Patrick van der Vorst, president of the Society of Catholic Artists, told The Art Newspaper: “Throughout history, the church has embraced beauty as a powerful means of evangelisation, a way to lift the soul and draw hearts toward God. In doing so, it has long collaborated closely with artists, observing and supporting how they channel faith through their creative gifts.”
In 1926 Gaudí was struck by a tram while walking to church for prayer. Assumed to be a beggar the unconscious Gaudi did not receive immediate care and was eventually taken to a hospital for the poor where he died three days later, aged 73.
According to Van der Vorst, Gaudí’s unique vision “redefined 20th-century architecture and Christian art.” He continues: “It was a joy to see that Pope Francis has put ‘God’s Architect’ on the road to sainthood.
“He stood apart from mainstream trends, both stylistically and within his artistic circles. By advancing his cause for canonisation, the Church is recognising how profoundly he contributed to the Christian imagination. His work continues to inspire awe, drawing countless visitors—many of whom might never otherwise step into a church—into a sacred space where they may encounter the transcendent."
