Antoni Gaudí Moves Closer to Sainthood as Pope Acknowledges His Virtues

The Vatican's decree acknowledges the legacy of "God’s architect," who dedicated his life to the creation of the Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece of modernist architecture still under construction.

Pope Francis has taken a significant step towards the potential canonization of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí by officially declaring him “venerable.” This recognition comes as part of a decree which outlines Gaudí's “heroic virtues,” paving the way for the next phase of the sainthood process. In the Catholic tradition, this means that a miracle attributed to Gaudí must be verified for the beatification stage, followed by the confirmation of a second miracle for eventual sainthood.

The announcement was showcased on the Sagrada Familia’s website, highlighting the enduring beauty of Gaudí's work, which continues to inspire and captivate admirers around the globe. Gaudí, who was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Spain, immersed himself in the world of architecture after moving to Barcelona, where he earned his architecture degree in 1878.

His partnership with the influential Eusebio Güell and mentorship under architect Joan Martorell i Montells facilitated Gaudí's rise to prominence, paving the path for many of his timeless creations. The construction of the Sagrada Familia—a project Gaudí took on at just 31—began in 1882 and has continued for over a century, with the architect dedicating his final twelve years solely to this iconic basilica, which remains unfinished to this day.

Antoni Gaudí's profound impact on architecture and his spiritual undertones incorporated into his works make him a fitting figure for scrutiny in the context of the sainthood process. The Vatican's acknowledgment opens a new chapter in the legacy of one of design history's most venerated figures.