The tallest cross in the world, located in Spain's Valley of the Fallen, will remain standing despite a proposed 'resignification' project. The Spanish government's plans initially included significant changes, such as deconsecration of the basilica and the departure of the Benedictines. However, agreements were reached to maintain Catholic worship, the Benedictine community, and religious elements. The Spanish Bishops' Conference is currently unaware of the specific details or timeline for the project's implementation.
about 2 months ago
The Valley of the Fallen is a large complex near Madrid, Spain, built after the Spanish Civil War and inaugurated in 1959 1. It includes an underground basilica, the world's tallest cross, a Benedictine monastery, a school, and a Stations of the Cross 1. The site contains the remains of between 33,000 and 50,000 Spaniards from both sides of the conflict 1.
The Spanish government is planning a "resignification" of the Valley of the Fallen to offer "a new, critical, and informed perspective on the history" 1. The project aims to transform the space into "a place for educational, cultural, and democratic use" 1. A key component of the project is the construction of an "interpretive center or museum" on the esplanade in front of the basilica 1. The government plans to spend over $28 million on the project, with a final decision expected before the end of 2026 1.
The Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) has been in talks with the Spanish government regarding the resignification project 1. The initial government plan included deconsecrating the basilica and removing the Benedictines, but the CEE conveyed "red lines" to the government 1. Agreements were reportedly reached to maintain Catholic worship in the basilica, ensure the Benedictine community's presence, and respect the religious elements, including the cross 1. Bishop Francisco César García Magán stated that the 492-foot cross will remain standing 1. The CEE has given "total and unanimous endorsement" to Cardinal José Cobo, who was appointed as mediator 1.
The Christian Lawyers Foundation has filed for an immediate injunction to halt the resignification process 1. Demonstrations have taken place, with protesters urging the bishops "not to remain silent or complicit in the face of the government’s demands" 1. The Association in Defense of the Valley of the Fallen maintains that the basilica has an "inviolable character" and that any government action requires the authorization of the ecclesiastical authority 1. The CEE acknowledges and respects the right to demonstrate 1.
The Church defines sacred places and their enduring religious significance.
Sacred places, in the Catholic tradition, are locations designated for divine worship or the burial of the faithful, set apart by a dedication or blessing prescribed in liturgical books . These places possess a unique holiness, making them suitable for encountering the divine and celebrating the sacred mysteries .
Churches are the primary sacred buildings, symbolizing both the Church on earth and the heavenly Jerusalem . Sanctuaries, which may or may not be churches, also provide important spaces for popular piety, often marked by specific devotional practices like pilgrimages . The arrangement and furnishing of churches should reflect heavenly realities, fostering active participation in sacred actions . In Eastern Churches, sacred space is functionally divided, with the sanctuary separated from the nave, representing the most sacred area containing the altar .
Due reverence is expected in sacred places, and any profanation or unworthy treatment constitutes sacrilege . Sacrilege is considered a grave sin, especially when directed against the Eucharist . Actions that violate sacred places, causing scandal and contradicting their holiness, require a penitential rite to repair the damage before worship can resume . Desecration, the loss of sacredness, occurs when places are destroyed or permanently turned to profane use by decree or in fact . Examples of sacrilege include turning a church into a market or using sacred vessels for unholy purposes .
The news article discusses the "resignification" of the Valley of the Fallen in Spain, a site that includes a basilica and the world's tallest cross. The Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sacred character of places dedicated to divine worship . Any actions that would desecrate or profane these places would be considered a grave offense . The Spanish Bishops’ Conference has been in talks with the government to ensure that Catholic worship is maintained in the basilica and that religious elements, including the cross, are respected . This reflects the Church's concern for preserving the sacredness of these places and preventing sacrilege .