The Catholic Church has recognized Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), the famous architect who created the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, as "venerable", the Vatican announced today.
This is the first step towards recognizing Gaudí as a saint.
Pope Francis has recognized the "heroic virtues" of the Catalan artist, called the "architect of God," and authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to issue a decree declaring him "venerable," according to a Vatican statement.
"I was delighted when I heard the news (...) It is recognition not only for his architectural work, but also for something more important," said the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan José Omela.
"Gaudi left a testimony for all of us (...) He tells us that despite life's difficulties, work, pain, suffering, we are destined to be saints," added Cardinal Omela.
Recognition of heroic virtues precedes beatification, which, however, requires a miracle. Then, a second miracle is required, confirmed by the Vatican, to achieve "saint" status during canonization - often at the end of a process that takes several years.
The beatification process for this visionary and deeply devout architect was opened in Rome in 2003.
Antoni Gaudi is the creator of the monumental Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) basilica in Barcelona, which has been under construction for over a century and was consecrated in 2010 by Benedict XVI, paving the way for its use.
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