On Monday, Pope Francis took a significant step in the canonization process of Antoni Gaudí, the renowned architect behind Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, by declaring him “Venerable.” This title, which recognizes Gaudí’s “heroic virtues,” marks the first major milestone toward sainthood in the Catholic Church and underscores his devout Catholic faith and commitment to sacred architecture.
Known as “God’s architect,” Gaudí devoted more than 40 years to designing and constructing the Sagrada Familia, including the final 12 years of his life. The basilica, famous for its towering Gothic spires and intricate design, remains the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, with an initial goal to complete it by 2026—marking the centennial of Gaudí’s death. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to tourism revenue in recent years, leading to an indefinite postponement of the completion date, as reported by Reuters.
The Road to Sainthood
Gaudí’s journey toward sainthood began in 2003 when the Archdiocese of Barcelona officially opened his cause for canonization. With the recent declaration by Pope Francis, Gaudí has been elevated to the status of “Venerable,” acknowledging his exemplary Christian virtues.
To progress to beatification, the next stage in the canonization process, a verified miracle must be attributed to Gaudí’s intercession. A second confirmed miracle would then be required for his declaration as a saint.
Gaudí’s deep Catholic faith was integral to his architectural vision, with his designs rich in spiritual symbolism and devotion. His legacy extends far beyond the Sagrada Familia, with other iconic works such as Park Güell and Casa Milà also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
