Pope puts architect Gaudí on path to sainthood

April 15, 2025 - 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.

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The path toward sainthood for renowned architect Antoni Gaudí began in 1992, with the establishment of the Association for the Beatification of Antoni Gaudí, tasked with gathering evidence of his holiness.

In 2003, the Vatican officially opened his cause for canonisation, bestowing upon him the title “Servant of God.”

A significant moment came in 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI consecrated Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, lauding his ability to “build human consciousness, anchored in the world yet open to God.”

On April 14, 2025, Pope Francis advanced the cause further by recognising Gaudí’s “heroic virtues”, declaring him “Venerable” – the second step on the road to sainthood.

For Gaudí to be beatified – the next stage – a verified miracle attributed to him is required. The Archdiocese of Barcelona has submitted a case to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints involving a woman who reportedly recovered from a severe eye condition in 2016, following prayers to Gaudí. This alleged miracle is currently under review.

Should that miracle be confirmed, Gaudí could be beatified. A second confirmed miracle would then be necessary for canonisation, the final step that would declare him a saint – and the first architect ever canonised by the Roman Catholic Church. This process can be lengthy, often taking years or even centuries.