Of the tens of thousands of tourists who visit the Sagrada Familia every year, most probably stop to wonder only if this Modernist fantasy will ever be finished.

But for a small band of devotees, Antoni Gaudí’s famous work in progress raises another question: is it proof enough he should be remembered as more than a virtuoso architect?

Campaigners believe ‘God’s architect’, as he is known, deserves to receive the ulimate accolade – sainthood

Last month, the Vatican took delivery of papers which a dedicated group of supporters believe will prove their case.

The positio is an autobiography with a difference. Instead of being a list of dates and achievements of Gaudí’s life, it demonstrates – campaigners hope – how he could call out to God on behalf of others.

They must convince Archbishop Angelo Amato that the obsessively pious architect, who died 83 years ago, should join that most exclusive of clubs.

Monsignor Amato is prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the body which recommend mere mortals for sainthood. From there, Pope Benedict XVI has the final say.

The delivery of the positio is the latest stage in a long-runing campaign to raise Gaudí’s status to a higher plane.

The Association for the Beatification of Gaudí (ABG) has spent 27 years gathering up to 80,000 supporters from around the world.

The positio, which will be examined by Vatican theologians, contains details of how Gaudi called out to non-believers. A large cross on Casa Battlo, one of Gaudí’s landmark buildings, was proof, say supporters, that he was on a mission from God.

Similarly, images of the Virgin, on La Pedrera, another tourist attraction in Barcelona, are more proof Gaudí was sending a message to non-believers.

In 2003, Cardinal Ricard Maria Carles, the former archbishop of Barcelona, sent documents recommending the beatfication of Gaudí to the Vatican as part of the campaign.