Overview

• Pope Francis officially declared Antoni Gaudi 'venerable', acknowledging his 'heroic virtues' as part of the Catholic Church's canonization process.
• This recognition is a key step toward sainthood, following decades of evaluation since the process began in 2003.
• Gaudi, known as 'God's architect,' is celebrated for his design of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, a monumental basilica consecrated in 2010.
• The decree was the first official act by Pope Francis after his recovery from life-threatening pneumonia in March 2025.
• Cardinal Juan Jose Omella of Barcelona played a pivotal role in advancing Gaudi's cause by commissioning a dedicated group in 2023.