Pope Francis declared Antoni Gaudí, architect of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, "venerable," advancing his path to sainthood. This follows the Vatican's recognition of Gaudí's "heroic virtue." Two miracles are now needed for canonization. The Pope also recognized a miracle attributed to Mother Eliswa Vakayil, paving the way for her beatification, and the martyrdom of Father Nazareno Lanciotti, allowing his beatification to proceed. Three other priests also had their heroic virtues recognized.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.