The Vatican has taken a significant step toward making renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí a saint, officially recognizing his "heroic virtues." Often referred to as "God's architect,"

Gaudí is best known for designing the iconic, yet still unfinished, Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona.

On Monday, Pope Francis approved a decree declaring the Catalan-born architect "venerable," an important early stage in the Catholic Church’s process of canonization.

This announcement marks a major milestone in the long-standing effort to honor Gaudí's deep Catholic faith alongside his artistic genius. The Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, celebrated the news, calling it a moment of "joy."

"It's not just recognition of his architectural legacy," said the cardinal, according to AFP. "It’s a message that even through struggle, work, pain, and suffering, one can be called to sainthood."

Before Gaudí can be canonized as a saint, the next step would be beatification — a process that usually requires evidence of a miracle attributed to the person after their death. Gaudí passed away in 1926 after being struck by a tram while on his way to church.

Born in 1852, Gaudí left an indelible mark on Barcelona with his distinctive, whimsical designs. In addition to the Sagrada Familia, his works include the colorful Casa Batlló and Park Güell. Many of these masterpieces are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Construction on the Sagrada Familia began in 1883 and continues to this day. The basilica was consecrated in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, and it remains one of Spain's most visited landmarks — a tribute to Gaudí’s enduring vision and faith. Photo by Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia commons.