Pope Francis has approved the first step towards sainthood for Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect behind Barcelona's "Sagrada Familia" basilica, the Vatican said on Monday.
Gaudi was a pious man who worked for more than 40 years on the Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world, a UNESCO world heritage site, and one Europe's biggest tourist draws.
Francis approved a decree recognising Gaudi's "heroic virtues", the Vatican said in a statement.
For him to be beatified, the next step in the process of becoming a saint, a miracle would have to be attributed to Gaudi. After that, a second miracle would be required for him to be declared a saint.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, but the project, known for its soaring Gothic spires, remains unfinished even after Gaudi devoted the last 12 years of his life exclusively to the project.
It was meant to be completed by 2026, the centenary of the death of Gaudi, whom the Vatican's media outlet, Vatican News, has referred to as "God's architect".
The the target date was postponed indefinitely after the COVID-19 pandemic reduced tourist revenues used to fund construction.
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Thousands gathered in Barcelona and other Spanish cities to protest against the impact of mass tourism, accusing it of driving up housing costs and displacing residents.
FC Barcelona received a timely boost ahead of their Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, with star striker Robert Lewandowski returning to training and expected to be fit for selection.
Barcelona’s postponed LaLiga clash with Osasuna will take place on March 27, following the death of the club’s doctor. However, with key players unavailable due to World Cup qualifiers, Barcelona is considering appealing the decision by the Spanish soccer federation.
Two buses have collided in Barcelona today, Monday 3 March which has left 51 people injured, four of which are said to be critical.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s Tokara Islands on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued but residents advised to remain vigilant.
The United States has rescinded licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing shipments to resume after a temporary halt and signalling progress in efforts to ease recent trade tensions.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for 'French Touch' electronic music to be recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage—putting it on par with Berlin techno, Jamaican reggae, and Irish harp traditions.
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