Catalan architect Gaudi recognized as "venerable" by the Vatican

Pope Francis recognized the "heroic virtues" of the Catalan artist, nicknamed "the architect of God," and authorized the Dicastery (ministry) for the Causes of Saints to issue a decree declaring him "venerable," the Vatican said in a statement.

"I was delighted to learn the news (...) It is a recognition not only of his architectural work, but also of something more important," said the Archbishop of Barcelona, ​​Cardinal Juan José Omella.

"Gaudi left a testimony for all of us (...) he tells us that despite the difficulties of life, the work, the pain, the suffering, we are destined to be saints," added Cardinal Omella.

Recognition of heroic virtues precedes beatification, which, however, requires a miracle. A second miracle, validated by the Vatican, is then required to obtain the status of "saint" during canonization, often after a process lasting several years.

The beatification process for this visionary and very pious architect was opened in Rome in 2003. In December 2023, Juan José Omella commissioned a canonical association, composed of religious and lay people, to carry the cause in support of a civil association.

Antoni Gaudi is the creator of the monumental Basilica of the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) in Barcelona, ​​still under construction for over a century, which was consecrated in 2010 by Benedict XVI, paving the way for its use as a place of worship.

On this occasion, the German Pope praised "the genius of Antoni Gaudi" who, "inspired by the ardor of his Christian faith, succeeded in transforming this church into a praise to God made of stone."

To promulgate this decree, Pope Francis, 88, who is recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, received the Prefect (N.1) of the Dicastery (ministry) for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the first meeting officially scheduled on his agenda since his release from hospital on March 23.