Biographer argues sainthood reduces Gaudí's complexity

In an interview with Dezeen for its Gaudí Centenary series, author Peter Stanford expresses that elevating Antoni Gaudí to sainthood would oversimplify the architect's complex persona. Stanford, who authored 'Gaudí: God's Architect' and spent three months with the Gaudí beatification committee, believes that such recognition confines Gaudí 'in too small a box,' emphasizing his religious fervor while overlooking traits like his temper, stubbornness, and penchant for litigation. This week, Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Barcelona to inaugurate the Sagrada Família's central tower and is anticipated to announce Gaudí's beatification, following his declaration as Venerable in 2025. The Vatican has reportedly confirmed a miracle linked to Gaudí's intercession. Stanford hopes future focus will shift to Gaudí's lesser-known creations, such as the Colònia Güell crypt and Colegio Teresiano de Barcelona, highlighting that his architecture, influenced by religious themes, nature, and Catalan Gothic style, transcends conventional categorization and remains timeless.