Pope puts Gaudí on path to sainthood

Pope Francis has declared Catalan modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, dubbed “God’s architect” for his work on Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, “Venerable”, marking a pivotal step toward sainthood

ROAD TO SAINTHOOD

1992: Association for Beatification of Antoni Gaudí, established to gather evidence of his holiness

2003: Vatican opens cause, granting him title “Servant of God”

2010: Pope Benedict XVI consecrates Sagrada Familia, praising Gaudí’s ability to “build human consciousness, anchored in the world yet open to God”

Apr 14, 2025: Pope Francis recognises Gaudí’s “heroic virtues”, declaring him “Venerable”

BEATIFICATION
For next step, miracle attributed to him would have to be verified

Archdiocese of Barcelona has submitted case involving woman's recovery from severe eye condition after praying to Gaudí in 2016 to Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Miracle awaits official confirmation

CANONISATION
Confirmation of yet another miracle would be required for Gaudí to be declared first architect saint in Roman Catholic Church. Process can take years, even centuries

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852-1926)

Sagrada Família basilica

Sources: Reuters, International Business Times, Vatican
Pictures: Newscom
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