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.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he sees progress between Israel and Lebanon after talks with Netanyahu, while Hezbollah has rejected a new ceasefire ...
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire after U.S.-backed talks in Washington. The deal requires Hezbollah to halt attacks and withdra...
Artificial intelligence, digital innovation and youth engagement in environmental governance took centre stage at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samark...
Disruptions to global energy routes have transformed energy security from an economic concern into a matter of national security, Turkish President Re...
A series of signals from Washington, including congressional testimony, a U.S. Embassy statement and a senior diplomat's visit to Tbilisi, has given G...
Spanish police in Catalonia have detained Jonathan Andic, the son of Mango fashion group founder Isak Andic, as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his father’s death in December 2024, authorities said.
A commuter train derailed on Tuesday after a containment wall fell on the track due to heavy rain near the Spanish city of Barcelona, killing the driver and seriously injuring passengers, a fire brigade official said.
Türkiye’s low-cost carrier AJet, a branch of Turkish Airlines, will launch its first-ever direct flights from Ankara to Barcelona and Madrid this October.
Storms and rising seas are washing away Barcelona’s man-made beaches, putting tourism and coastal life at risk, according to residents in the area. In Montgat, locals say their summers by the sea are vanishing.
Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought heavy rain, power cuts and transport disruption across Japan on Wednesday (3 June) as it tracked towards the greater Tokyo region.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Albania in recent days to protest against a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, and his wife Ivanka Trump.
Armenia’s parliamentary election comes at a defining moment for the South Caucasus, a region reshaped by the Garabagh conflict and broader shifts in Russia-West relations. The outcome is increasingly seen as a signal of Armenia’s future foreign policy direction and the regional balance of power.
Global weather forecasters predict a strong El Niño will develop in the second half of 2026, bringing hotter, drier conditions to much of Asia while increasing rainfall in parts of North and South America.
Bolivia’s Defence Minister has resigned amid widening unrest over government austerity measures, which have led to protesters blocking roads into the country’s two largest cities.
Charles Leclerc has signed a new contract to extend his stay with Ferrari, reinforcing his long-term commitment to Formula 1’s most iconic team ahead of his home race in Monaco.
Singer Sabrina Carpenter has been granted a temporary restraining order against a man accused of stalking her and attempting to force entry into her California home, according to court documents.
Global pop-star Taylor Swift has announced the release of a new original song for Disney and Pixar’s animated film "Toy Story 5", following days of online speculation among fans.
U.S. rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, performed to a crowd of 118,000 people in Istanbul on Saturday night, marking his first concert in Europe in more than a decade, despite being barred from performing in several countries over past antisemitic remarks.
A centuries-old floral tradition is being prepared in the English village of Castleton, where the Garland King will lead a ceremonial procession through the Peak District wearing a large flower-covered structure weighing up to 40 kilograms.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment