Lorraine Williamson
Antoni Gaudí, the renowned Catalan architect behind Barcelona’s most recognisable landmark, the Sagrada Família, has been officially declared Venerable by Pope Francis. The Gaudí beatification cause now progresses to the next stage on the path to sainthood.
This marks a significant milestone on the path to possible sainthood for a man whose life’s work fused religious devotion with architectural innovation.
Recognition from the Vatican
On Monday, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’s approval of Gaudí’s “heroic virtues,” the result of a formal vote by historians, theologians, bishops, and cardinals in the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The announcement was later shared publicly via the official account of the Sagrada Família on X (formerly Twitter), which stated:
“Antoni Gaudí has been proclaimed Venerable by Pope Francis after accepting the votes in favour from historical advisers, theologians and the cardinals and bishops in the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.”
The post went on to explain that Venerable is the second of four stages in the canonisation process, following Servant of God. It is reserved for Christians who have demonstrated a sustained and joyful practice of moral and theological virtues throughout their lives.
A Basilica like no other
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is one of the most visited monuments in Europe. Construction began in 1882 and continues today—more than 140 years later. Originally planned in a neo-Gothic style, the project was transformed after Gaudí took charge in 1883. He redesigned it entirely, drawing on nature, mathematics, and Scripture for inspiration.
The church’s Nativity Façade bursts with symbolism, depicting scenes from Christ’s early life. The Passion Façade, by contrast, is stark and angular, reflecting the suffering of the crucifixion. The interior resembles a forest, with tree-like columns branching into the ceiling, creating a sense of vertical awe and spiritual elevation.
Though Gaudí knew the basilica would not be completed in his lifetime, he once said, “My client is not in a hurry”—referring to God.
Faith built into stone
Born in 1852 in Catalonia, Gaudí qualified as an architect in 1878. Over time, his work took on increasingly religious themes. By the late 19th century, he began dedicating more of his time—and eventually his entire life—to the Sagrada Família. Following a serious illness in 1894, he gave up all other commissions.
Gaudí’s devotion was total. He lived modestly in a room within the construction site, praying daily and guiding the builders personally. His deep Catholic faith informed every detail of the design. Furthermore, he even prepared models to guide future architects, knowing the project would span generations.
He died in 1926 after being struck by a tram. At first unrecognised due to his humble appearance, he was taken to a hospital for the poor. He died three days later, aged 73. His funeral drew an estimated 30,000 mourners, and he was buried in the basilica’s crypt.
Path to Sainthood
The declaration of Venerable opens the door to the next step: beatification, which requires evidence of a miracle attributed to Gaudí’s intercession. Supporters of his cause believe his spiritual dedication, simplicity of life, and service through art justify his elevation.
If a miracle is recognised, Gaudí would be beatified. A second miracle would then be required for canonisation. Should that happen, he would become the first professional architect ever declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
The Sagrada Família, expected to be completed by 2033—100 years after Gaudí’s death—may one day serve not only as a masterpiece of architecture but as a place of pilgrimage honouring a future saint.
Also read: Sagrada Família reaches new milestone with tower completion