Antoni Gaudi declared venerable in sainthood process by Catholic Church

Architect of Sagrada Familia takes key step toward sainthood as Pope Francis recognizes his heroic virtues.

The structure, detailed facade, and towers make up the completed Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, on October 9, 2024. Photo by Jorge Mantilla/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Catholic Church has taken a significant step in the canonization journey of renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, best known for designing Barcelona’s awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia basilica. On Monday, Antoni Gaudi was declared venerable by Pope Francis, an official recognition of the architect’s "heroic virtues," according to a statement released by the Vatican. This announcement marks a key milestone in the long and meticulous process of sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church.

Antoni Gaudi declared venerable highlights not just his architectural genius but also his devout Christian faith, which he infused into every detail of his monumental work. This formal recognition elevates Gaudi within the Church and edges him closer to eventual sainthood, a rare honor for a lay artist.

A legacy carved in stone and spirit

Nicknamed “God’s architect,” Gaudi’s legacy reaches far beyond his intricate designs and innovative architectural techniques. His crowning masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, has become a symbol of both artistic brilliance and spiritual devotion. Although the basilica remains unfinished nearly a century after his death, it draws millions of visitors annually, many of whom come not only for its beauty but also for its sacred atmosphere.

Gaudi’s spiritual convictions were deeply interwoven with his work. He lived a humble life, often seen in simple clothing and known for his strict personal discipline. He dedicated the last 15 years of his life almost entirely to the construction of the Sagrada Familia, considering it a divine mission.

In 2003, the Catholic Church officially began investigating Gaudi’s candidacy for sainthood. Over two decades later, that effort has now advanced significantly with Monday’s declaration of his status as venerable.

What does being declared venerable mean?

The process of becoming a saint in the Catholic Church involves several distinct phases. Being declared venerable is the second step, coming after a formal investigation into a person's life and deeds. It signifies that the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue, even if they have not yet been credited with a miracle — a requirement for beatification, the next phase of the process.

In Gaudi’s case, the Vatican has confirmed that he met this critical requirement. The declaration was made official when Pope Francis signed the decree, which was the first item on his agenda following his recent hospital discharge after battling pneumonia.

Gaudi’s spiritual reputation has long been praised by religious figures. When Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the Sagrada Familia in 2010, he described Gaudi as “inspired by the ardour of his Christian faith,” and said he had turned the basilica into “a praise to God made of stone.”

The road to beatification and canonization

With Antoni Gaudi declared venerable, the next step in the sainthood process is beatification. This phase requires the verification of a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession after their death. The Church must rigorously investigate the event and confirm that there is no scientific or natural explanation for it.

Only once a miracle is verified can Gaudi be beatified. Following that, a second miracle is typically required for full canonization — the formal declaration of sainthood.

In 2023, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona, reignited efforts to advance Gaudi’s case by commissioning a group of religious and lay people to advocate for his beatification. Their goal is not only to highlight Gaudi’s contributions to sacred architecture but also to emphasize his life of faith, humility, and devotion.

A symbol for modern believers

The Gaudi sainthood process comes at a time when the Church is increasingly looking to honor laypeople who demonstrated holiness through their everyday work. In Gaudi’s case, his profession and his faith were inseparable. His artistic creativity was fueled by a deep sense of divine purpose, and his life's work stands as a testament to the blending of earthly talent and heavenly calling.

Declaring a figure like Gaudi as venerable offers modern believers an example of how faith can manifest in all walks of life — not just through preaching or martyrdom, but through work, discipline, and dedication to God through craft.

Health challenges of Pope Francis

Pope Francis’s decision to move forward with Gaudi’s case is notable in itself. The signing of the decree marked his first official act since being discharged from a Roman hospital on March 23. The 88-year-old pontiff had been receiving treatment for life-threatening pneumonia and was out of the public eye for five weeks.

Despite ongoing health issues, Francis continues to play an active role in overseeing the Church’s direction and its celebration of individuals who have contributed profoundly to its spiritual and cultural heritage.

Sagrada Familia: A living testimony

Though unfinished, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia remains Gaudi’s most enduring legacy. Construction began in 1882 and has continued in phases, guided by Gaudi’s intricate models and plans. His vision combined Gothic and Art Nouveau styles with innovative engineering — but more than that, it reflected his profound Christian spirituality.

The basilica was finally consecrated for worship in 2010, giving it the official status of a place of liturgical use. It now also serves as a symbol of Gaudi’s sanctity, with millions of pilgrims and tourists walking through its columns and admiring the ceiling that evokes a forest canopy reaching toward heaven.

It is within these sacred walls that the essence of Antoni Gaudi declared venerable becomes more than just a title. It becomes an invitation for reflection — on faith, perseverance, and the possibility of sanctity through creativity.

Awaiting a miracle

As the Church now looks to identify a posthumous miracle attributed to Gaudi, believers across Spain and beyond have begun praying for his intercession. Some Church leaders have encouraged devotees to submit reports of unexplained healings or divine experiences linked to Gaudi.

It remains to be seen how long the beatification process will take. But for now, Monday’s declaration confirms what many have long believed — that Gaudi's life was one of extraordinary virtue and spiritual dedication.

His journey from “God’s architect” to potential saint continues, and the world watches with admiration as his legacy grows ever more divine.