Modern white church with sail-like curved panels rising from the ground, a glass facade in the center, and a minimalist design; located on a paved open space under a clear blue sky.

The Dives in Misericordia church in Rome

Good for the soul, good for the air

On the eastern outskirts of Rome stands a structure that is as technically innovative as it is architecturally striking: the Dives in Misericordia church. Designed by the renowned American architect Richard Meier and inaugurated in 2003, it is now recognised as a symbol of modern sacred architecture and sustainable construction.

What makes this church unique is its material: the white concrete used contains TX Millennium – a concrete developed by Heidelberg Materials (formerly Italcementi) that is enriched with titanium dioxide. When sunlight hits the surface, a chemical reaction is triggered that breaks down pollutants in the air. As a result, the church not only remains permanently radiant white but also actively improves the surrounding air quality. At the time of its inauguration, this was a groundbreaking innovation – the first instance of concrete being purposefully used for air improvement.

Architecturally, the church is a masterpiece. Three large, curved concrete sails envelop the interior space like a protective embrace. Natural light streams through skylights and expansive windows, bathing the building in different moods depending on the time of day. Richard Meier, celebrated for his masterful use of light and clean geometric forms, showcases his expertise brilliantly in the Dives in Misericordia church.

The complex consists of the church itself and an adjoining parish centre. Both buildings are connected by a spacious plaza that serves as a meeting point for the community. In addition to worship services, the centre offers spaces for classes, social gatherings, and celebrations. Two courtyards – one open and vibrant, the other featuring a tranquil water basin – invite visitors to pause and reflect.

Constructing the church was a technical achievement. The sails, made from prefabricated concrete elements, reach heights of up to 27 metres. The concrete had to be not only exceptionally white but also highly durable. To achieve this, finely ground Carrara marble was used as an aggregate. This composition ensures that the church continues to look as pristine as it did on the day it was completed.

Today, the Dives in Misericordia church stands as a model for sustainable construction and innovative design. It demonstrates how modern technology, environmental awareness, and aesthetics can work together harmoniously. The white sails have become a landmark – not only for the neighbourhood but also for a new generation of construction materials capable of far more than just bearing loads.
 

Location

Piazza Largo Terzo Millennio, 8
Via Francesco Tovaglieri, 194
00155 Roma (Italy)
Modern white church with sail-like curved panels rising from the ground, a glass facade in the center, and a minimalist design; located on a paved open space under a clear blue sky.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Modern white church with curved, sail-shaped walls surrounding a central glass facade, set against a clear sky. A minimal rectangular tower with vertical text "Dio Padre Misericordioso" is on the right. A smooth pavement leads to the building entrance. Sparse trees are visible in the background.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Curved white architectural structure with smooth panels, set against a clear blue sky. The design features layered, sweeping arcs on the right and a vertical rectangular cutout on the left.

Dives in Misericordia (detail).

Roberto Conte

Curved, white concrete architectural structure against a blue sky with a white cloud, highlighting modern design elements and smooth surfaces.

Dives in Misericordia (detail).

Roberto Conte

Modern white curved church building, the Jubilee Church in Rome, centered with parked cars in the foreground and residential apartment buildings on either side under a blue sky.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Modern church building with a unique design featuring white, sail-like curved structures on the right side and geometric rectangular sections on the left, set against a clear blue sky. Small trees and greenery are visible in the foreground, with apartment buildings in the background.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Modern white church with sail-like curved panels rising from the ground, a glass facade in the center, and a minimalist design; located on a paved open space under a clear blue sky.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Modern white church with curved, sail-shaped walls surrounding a central glass facade, set against a clear sky. A minimal rectangular tower with vertical text "Dio Padre Misericordioso" is on the right. A smooth pavement leads to the building entrance. Sparse trees are visible in the background.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Curved white architectural structure with smooth panels, set against a clear blue sky. The design features layered, sweeping arcs on the right and a vertical rectangular cutout on the left.

Dives in Misericordia (detail).

Roberto Conte

Curved, white concrete architectural structure against a blue sky with a white cloud, highlighting modern design elements and smooth surfaces.

Dives in Misericordia (detail).

Roberto Conte

Modern white curved church building, the Jubilee Church in Rome, centered with parked cars in the foreground and residential apartment buildings on either side under a blue sky.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte

Modern church building with a unique design featuring white, sail-like curved structures on the right side and geometric rectangular sections on the left, set against a clear blue sky. Small trees and greenery are visible in the foreground, with apartment buildings in the background.

Dives in Misericordia.

Roberto Conte