Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí was recently declared “Venerable” by the Vatican, a necessary step toward canonisation, or being named a saint. Gaudí has long been referred to as “God’s architect.” Of the six figures recently elevated to venerable by Pope Francis, Gaudí was the only one not a priest, missionary, or religious sister. The five others were: Father Nazareno Lanciotti, a martyr from Brazil; Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin, foundress of first local congregation in Kerala, India; Father Peter Joseph Triest, a Belgian priest; Father Angelo Bughetti, diocesan priest and teacher; and Father Agostino Cozzolino, formator and rector. The Vatican recognizes the architect for his “heroic virtues.” A press release from the Basílica of the Sagrada Família said, “A Venerable is a Christian who, having lived their life by Christian virtues, is a candidate for beatification. Venerable is the second step on the path to canonisation after Servant of God and having examined the consistent, joyful practice of the theological and moral virtues for a significant period of their life.” Vatican News, the papacy’s press wing, commended Gaudí for Barcelona’s Basílica of the Sagrada Família, which began construction in 1882, and will complete in 2026. Gaudí was struck by a tram in 1926 and died a few days later. After getting struck, due to his humble clothing, he was mistaken by medics as a penniless man (not unlike Louis Kahn)—30,000 people attended his funeral. “His focus was making art a hymn of praise to the Lord and he considered it his mission to make God known and bring people closer to Him,” Vatican News said. After being declared “Blessed,” Gaudí can be “Saint,” pending verification of two miracles. Attributable miracles Gaudí performed—which may be up to snuff for Il Papa—include Montserrat Barenys, a former lecturer and artist, who prayed to the architect. Another potential miracle came when a young child prayed to Gaudí, and his illness, lumbar scoliosis, was cured. The campaign to elevate Gaudí to sainthood was initially steered by the Association for the Beatification of Antoni Gaudí, which for several decades has collected testimonies from individuals who prayed to Gaudí. In 2023, a Canonical Association took over the case to beatify Gaudí. For next steps, Pope Francis needs to approve Gaudí’s beatification, and then his sainthood.