The Vatican opens the doors of the Basilica of St. Peter to the world through artificial intelligence.
For pilgrims and art lovers wishing to visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City but unable to travel to Rome, there is now a solution. The Vatican has announced the launch of new AI-programmed services that allow everyone to virtually access the architectural treasures of the basilica.
In collaboration with Microsoft and Iconem, a company specializing in digitizing heritage sites, the Vatican is launching a new interactive website starting next month, along with a digital version of the basilica and two AI-supported exhibitions. A 3D model of the basilica was built after scanning its architectural and artistic details using cameras, lasers, and drones that flew at night for four weeks inside the church, capturing more than 400,000 photographs.
This initiative, specially designed for the Jubilee 2025, aims to make the basilica accessible to everyone around the world. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of the basilica, explained during a press conference held at the Vatican Press Office that this innovation demonstrates the Church's desire to convey its faith through the languages of the age and cultural context. Gambetti also likened this new experience to gazing at a starry sky on a summer night. He said, "The new tools work like a telescope or a spacecraft to enhance vision.
The cardinal pointed out the availability of educational programs, broadcasts of basilica celebrations, meditation podcasts, and other digital services. He added that the digital system combines technology, organizes and simplifies activities, and can help every pilgrim experience the basilica in its spiritual essence. He saw that the digital gateway aims to accompany the visitor to the threshold of the vessel that will lead them towards a spiritual experience. The pilgrim will be able to board the ship of the Church, led by Christ, with its captain Peter and his successor Francis, and its sailors are the people inside the basilica: the priests, the accredited guides, the pilgrims, and those available through the digital realm.
It is worth noting that Pope Francis encouraged, during a special interview with the technicians of the Vatican Museums and their partners, the adoption of technologies that enhance people's awareness of the sanctity of the place and its role as a space for contemplation. He also asked them to use advanced tools in a missionary rather than a tourist manner and to invest in new means to showcase the faith of the Church and the culture it has shaped.
It is worth mentioning that Pope Francis encouraged, during a special interview with the technicians of the St. Peter's Basilica workshop and their partners, the adoption of technologies that enhance people's awareness of the sanctity of the place and its role as a space for contemplation. He also asked them to use advanced tools in an evangelistic rather than a touristy manner and to invest in new means to showcase the church's faith and the culture it has shaped.