• Pope Francis recognizes Antoni Gaudi's "heroic virtues."
• Gaudi is officially declared "venerable," a key step towards sainthood.
• Construction of the Sagrada Familia continues, with a completion target of 2026.

Pope Francis has taken a significant step in recognizing Antoni Gaudi, the renowned architect of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, by declaring him "venerable" due to his "heroic virtues." This announcement, made by the Vatican, is a key milestone on the path to sainthood for Gaudi, who was known for his deep Catholic faith and devotion to his work, which he viewed as a way to reconcile with God for modern world's sins, according to Reuters.

Gaudi, who dedicated over 40 years to the construction of the Sagrada Familia, has been part of a decades-long endeavor for his canonization. The next step towards sainthood requires a miracle to be attributed to Gaudi after his passing, followed by beatification, the step before canonization. This process was officially initiated by the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, and involved a thorough vetting of Gaudi's life and contributions since 2003, as noted by CBS News.

Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is not expected to be completed until 2026, marking the centenary of Gaudi's death in 1926. The basilica has received recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage site and was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, who praised Gaudi's transforming vision that blends spirituality with architectural genius. Cardinal Omella hailed the Vatican's decree as a joyful affirmation of Gaudi's legacy, emphasizing the deeper recognition of his virtuous life amidst life's struggles, according to BBC.