Pope Francis' influence on sacred architecture

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, may not have written an encyclical addressed to architects, but his pontificate leaves an indelible influence on sacred architecture. His words and actions demonstrated a shift from the Pope as monarch to a pastor, concretized by choosing to stay at the modest Casa Santa Marta. There, he said daily Mass at a common chapel and joined ordinary people in the cafeteria for meals. He compared the Roman Catholic Church to a field hospital to underscore its mission to heal the sick, not only physically but, more importantly, spiritually.

Sanctuario De La Salle.

The Manila Times interviewed architects Bong Recio and Carlos Arnaiz about the place of spirituality in their architectural practice. Recio, who was involved in designing the Church of the Gesu at Ateneo de Manila, seeks "spiritual guidance when designing spaces such as places of learning. Unlike commercial projects, these spaces provide the environment that will help shape future lives; thus the importance of relevant design in this case."

Arnaiz, who designed Sanctuario De La Salle in Biñan and who studied philosophy before architecture, felt that "the spaces we build are our reflection of the ideas we have about our world. We try to ground our work every day on questions of how self and community relate to the mysteries of the spirit."

Both architects demonstrate what can be called Pope Francis' architecture of pardon, one of the concrete fruits of the extraordinary Year of Mercy the late pontiff declared in 2016. Not a few churches here and abroad were built following the idea of compassion to communicate openness to everyone. The Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord at Megamall, with a designated space for children, encourages invitation rather than insulation and exclusion.

Church of the Gesù in the ADMU campus.

Other transformations in church buildings that architects and this writer have observed are the following: a greater dominance of the image of Christ, like the enormous cross at the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Powerplant; the presence of water features, symbolizing the "fountains of divine mercy," like the holy water fountain at the Church of the Gesu; more commodious spaces for the Sacrament of Reconciliation; and as seen at the Sto. Niño de Paz Church in Makati commercial center, improving on the dingy water closet style that was uncomfortable both for the confessor and penitent.

Pope Francis' Laudato Si, his encyclical on the Earth as Common Home, stands to influence construction significantly. According to Recio, "For too long, development, instead of enriching people's lives, seems to have been having the opposite effect. As developers build taller buildings, cities have become more dense, with projects oftentimes promoted as green developments. Sustainable architecture is very much on the rise, but I feel not enough is being done. I am recalling what I just read this morning about 21 reclamation projects in Manila Bay: two ongoing and 12 approved. Where will it end?"

A few weeks before his death, Pope Francis allowed the advancement of the cause of sainthood of Antonio Gaudí, the architect of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. Arnaiz said of the latter's accomplishments: "The manner in which he harnessed the inventiveness of structural materials, such as steel reinforced concrete. Understanding the hidden geometries that make these materials perform and stimulate, while at the same time being an homage to the natural world. These surround us by creating columns that resemble trees' courtyards that feel like underwater, environments, and windows and doors that remind us of the mouths and eyes of animals."

Calling Gaudí both a saint and a pioneer for architects, Arnaiz said that he has dedicated his practice "to find contemporary translations of this blend of technology and ecology for our 21st century."

Pope Francis has changed the grammar of church architecture to one that conveys God's closeness and clemency, as well as a commitment to love the earth and nature.

Source: Manila Times