Why Antoni Gaudí is now a Venerable in the Catholic Church

On April 14, 2025, the Vatican officially recognized the “heroic virtues” of Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, best known as the architect of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. With this recognition, Gaudí is now declared Venerable — the second step on the path to sainthood in the Catholic Church.

But who was this man known as “God’s architect”? And what does it mean to call an artist “Venerable”?

Born on June 25, 1852, in Catalonia (most likely, in Reus), Gaudí showed early signs of both artistic brilliance and deep sensitivity. Chronic illness as a child often kept him away from other children, giving him ample time to observe nature — an influence that would later shape his distinctive, organic architectural style.

He studied architecture in Barcelona, where his wild sketches and daring designs were either dismissed as eccentric or praised as visionary.

As he matured, his faith also deepened. He attended daily Mass, kept a disciplined prayer life, and gave generously to the poor. Over time, Gaudí stopped working on commercial projects altogether and focused entirely on what he saw as his life’s mission: the completion of the Sagrada Família.

This towering basilica — still under construction nearly 150 years later — is much more than a tourist attraction. For Gaudí, it was a catechism in stone, a visible proclamation of the Gospel that would endure long after his death.

By the early 20th century, Gaudí was virtually living like a hermit. He dressed plainly, fasted often, and rarely left the basilica grounds. He declined accolades and titles, famously saying “My client is not in a hurry” — referring to God.

In June 1926, on his way to confession, Gaudí was struck by a tram. Because of his humble appearance, he was mistaken for a beggar and wasn't provided treatment right away. He was eventually taken to a charity hospital, where he died three days later. He was 73.

Gaudí is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia — the very church he spent his final decades building, both literally and spiritually.

The declaration of Venerable means that the Church recognizes Gaudí as having lived Christian virtues — such as faith, hope, charity, humility, and courage — to a heroic degree. It’s not a judgment of his artistic genius, but of his sanctity.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history” (CCC 828). Gaudí’s life reminds us that faith, beauty, and dedication are meant to go hand in hand.

The next step in the canonization process will require a verified miracle attributed to his intercession. But even now, Gaudí stands as a model of how creativity, humility, and faith can shape not just buildings — but souls.