Vatican, Microsoft unveil AI-generated “digital twin” of St Peter’s

Aimed at reaching out to people unable to go to Rome for the Holy Year and helping the millions who are expected to visit St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican teamed up with Microsoft and other specialised experts to create a “digital twin” of the church for an immersive and more meaningful experience.

St Peter’s Basilica will be launching a new website to feature the virtual views, streaming services of religious celebrations and podcasts of prayerful meditations as well as an app 1 December, that will help visitors with suggested itineraries, audio guides and real-time updates about the lines to the Holy Door and other sites.

Also, in January, young students around the world will be able to explore the basilica on Microsoft’s game-based learning platform, Minecraft Education.

The multiple projects use AI technology to help people weave together the historical, artistic and spiritual meanings connected with the world’s largest church, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of the basilica, told reporters at a Vatican news conference 11 November.

The “digital ecosystem,” he said, will accompany visitors and help them have a more spiritual experience.