Unfinished after 140 years: How Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia could lead to sainthood for “God’s architect”

The Sagrada Familia is considered by many to be Barcelona’s most iconic attraction, not only due to its “terrifying and edible beauty,” according to legendary Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, but also because of the fact it has never been finished.

Antoni Gaudí on the path to sainthood

Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the church is finally scheduled for completion in 2026, 144 years after the first stone was laid. At the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, an estimated 10-15% of the Sagrada Familia had been built.

Earlier this year, it was revealed Gaudí - nicknamed “God’s architect” for his devotion to the church and Catholicism - had been put on the path to sainthood in recognition of his “heroic virtues”.

A statement issued by the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis had authorized a decree declaring Gaudí “venerable,” which is an early step on the road to sainthood. It proved to be one of the last acts performed by Pope Francis, who died less than a week after the news came to light.

How do people become saints?

For Gaudí to continue along the path to becoming a saint, he would then have to be beatified and then canonized. Those parts of the process can only be achieved by attributing two miracles to a candidate’s intercession, one for each stage.

A movement calling for Gaudí’s beatification, known as the Canonical Association for the Beatification of Antoni Gaudí, has been ongoing for several decades, although miracles connected to the architect have so far proved elusive.

When miracles are found, they must be examined by commissions of doctors and theologians before the pope - now Pope Leo - makes the final decision on whether to beatify or canonize someone.

What is classed as a miracle?

No architects, in the modern sense of the term, has ever been canonized. Gaudí’s pro-beatification committee is believed to be hoping a miracle can be found in the shape of a medical cure. Several individuals say they have prayed to Gaudí for help before recovering from various illnesses, although their claims haven’t been confirmed as proof by experts.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.