**In a significant ecclesiastical move, Pope Francis has declared renowned architect Antoni Gaudí "venerable," recognizing his deep Catholic faith and architectural legacy as part of a long-standing quest for his canonization.**
**Gaudí Takes a Step Toward Sainthood as Vatican Recognizes His Virtues**
**Gaudí Takes a Step Toward Sainthood as Vatican Recognizes His Virtues**
**The Vatican honors Antoni Gaudí, recognizing his "heroic virtues" as part of the path to sainthood.**
The Vatican has recently declared iconic Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí as "venerable," marking a milestone in his journey toward potential sainthood. Known as "God's architect," Gaudí is celebrated for his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, a symbol of both artistic brilliance and deep religious sentiment.
On Monday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had formally approved a decree recognizing Gaudí for his "heroic virtues," a crucial early step on the path to canonization. This recognition comes following decades of advocacy from those who admire Gaudí not only for his architectural innovations but also for his deep faith as a devout Catholic.
The announcement brought joy to the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, who expressed that Gaudí's recognition extends beyond his creative works. "It's a message that amidst life's challenges, each of us is called to a higher purpose," he remarked, as reported by AFP.
To progress further on the canonization track, the next steps typically involve beatification—a process requiring demonstration of a miracle attributed to the candidate posthumously. Gaudí, who tragically passed away in 1926 after a tram accident while on his way to church, would need a miracle attributed to him in order to move forward in the Church's process.
Born in 1852, many of Gaudí's architectural works remain a significant draw for visitors to Barcelona, and his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, has been under construction since 1883. This basilica has garnered UNESCO World Heritage status and was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, solidifying its importance both religiously and culturally. The question now looms: Will Gaudí ultimately become a saint?
