Often referred to as “God’s architect” for the religious symbolism infused throughout his work, Gaudí is best known for his lifelong dedication to the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona. On Monday, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis had recognised Gaudí’s “heroic virtues” — the first major milestone in the Catholic Church’s canonisation process.

The declaration comes nearly a century after Gaudí’s death and marks the first step toward beatification, a requirement before full sainthood can be granted. Devotees have advocated for his canonisation for decades, citing the spiritual impact of his architectural masterpieces and testimonies of personal conversions attributed to experiencing his work.

Jose Manuel Almuzara, founder of the Gaudí Beatification Society, has long supported the cause. Speaking to The Guardian in 2003, Almuzara noted that the society’s tens of thousands of followers frequently pray to Gaudí, hoping for signs of miracles that would further his path to sainthood.

Gaudí’s most iconic work, the Sagrada Família, began construction in 1882 and remains the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world. He devoted the final 12 years of his life exclusively to the project, which was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. The former pope praised Gaudí’s “genius” in turning the basilica into “a praise to God made of stone.”

Originally slated for completion in 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death, work on the basilica was significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, halting construction and drying up vital tourism revenue.

Gaudí now moves forward in the Catholic Church’s multi-stage process toward sainthood. If beatified, he will require proof of a miracle attributed to his intercession before he can be canonised. Despite the long road ahead, supporters remain hopeful that the architect whose work has inspired millions will one day be officially recognised as a saint.