A historical moment for the Sagrada Familia
In 1883, Antoni Gaudí took over one of the most emblematic projects of his career: the Sagrada Familia. At that time, Pope Leo XIII led the Catholic Church. Interestingly, the temple approaches its culmination with the presence of a new pontiff, named after Leon XIV.
A significant year: 2026
On June 10, 2026, it will mark a special moment, as the centenary of Gaudí’s death will be commemorated with the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus, which will be adorned with a four -arm cross. This milestone coincides with the possible beatification of the architect, recently declared venerable, creating a unique opportunity for the visit of Pope Leo XIV.
Reflections on Pope Francis
The journalist Jesus Bastante, during the presentation of his novel ‘The Learning of Gaudí’, recalled with nostalgia the recent transfer of Pope Francis, who deeply appreciated the Sagrada Familia and regretted that he could not visit it. “It would be great for Leo XIV to come,” said Bastant.
A novel that captures Gaudí’s essence
The recent work of Bastante, presented in the Basilica on May 21, transports us to Barcelona of the late nineteenth century, an age of transformation and modernism. The story revolves around Gaudí and a fictional character, Pau Exposito, who becomes a disciple of the great architect and begins a relationship with Rosetta, Gaudí’s niece. The novel explores divine love topics, art and personal relationships.
Gaudí’s social impact and his current relevance
During his presentation, he emphasized the sensitivity of Gaudí to the working conditions of his employees. This concern aligns with the encyclical Rerum Novarum de León XIII, which dealt with labor rights in his day. In addition, he suggested that Leon XIV’s first encyclical could address labor topics related to the challenges of artificial intelligence today.
A look at Futur
With the imminent inauguration of the Tower of Jesus and the possible beatification of Gaudí, the legacy of this architect continues to influence not only architecture but also social and spiritual thought. The new Pope Lion XIV has the opportunity to connect with this rich inheritance and address contemporary issues that resonate with Gaudí’s vision for a fairer world.
