Pope Francis has taken the first step towards sainthood for renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. A decree recognizing Gaudí’s “heroic virtues” was approved by the Vatican, marking a significant milestone in the process of becoming a saint.
Gaudí, known for his iconic design of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica, dedicated over 40 years to the project and left it unfinished when he passed away. The construction began in 1882, with the aim of completing it by 2026, but the pandemic postponed the target date indefinitely.
For Gaudí to be declared a saint, two miracles attributed to his life must occur: one after his death and another before that. A miracle recognized by the Vatican would pave the way for his beatification, a necessary step towards becoming a saint.
Gaudí’s devotion to his faith was well-documented, making him an attractive candidate for sainthood. The Pope’s approval of this decree marks a significant honor for Gaudí’s legacy and recognition of his contributions to architecture and Catholicism.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-puts-sagrada-familia-architect-gaudi-path-sainthood-2025-04-14