Petersdom will be digital: Learn to revolutionize Vatican and Microsoft!

Petersdom will be digital: Learn to revolutionize Vatican and Microsoft!

Vatikanstadt, Italien - Vatican city, March 18, 2025 - An innovative educational project catapulted St. Petership into the digital world. The Vatican cooperates with Microsoft to make the historical and cultural heritage of this world -famous basilica tangible for young people with the help of "Minecraft". The game entitled "Petrus is here" conveys interesting facts about the architecture and history of St. Peter's Basilica and challenges users with restoration tasks. "Students and students can learn and have fun at the same time," emphasized Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the arch priest of St. Peter's Basilica, in Rome. Microsoft boss Brad Smith called the project a milestone in the partnership between the tech giant and the Catholic Church, which is supposed to address young people worldwide.

digital exploration by KI

The AI-based project not only includes the game, but also an interactive website based on 400,000 photos that were taken with the help of drones during a summer mission in 2023. These images enable users to explore Petersdom in a new form, while two immersive exhibitions entitled "Petros Eni" expand historical knowledge. According to Cardinal Gambetti, this digital technology is said to make the history and spirituality of St. Peter's Basic. "When people understand the secret that inspired them, our mission is fulfilled," continued Gambetti. Pope Francis expressly praised the project in an audience and emphasized the importance of a responsible handling of AI, which must always serve people. This unique project is an important step to make the cultural heritage accessible to a wider audience and to inspire younger generations for the history and art of St. Peter's Basic

The combination of gaming and the rich legacy of the church shows how modern technology can be used innovatively. "Gaming can be used in a negative way, but in this case it is beneficial because it brings us closer to history and our roots," explained Mauro Antonelli from the Italian Ministry of Education. Pupils and teachers can access the platform to integrate the game into schools and thus create a “better world”, as Microsoft's Allison Matthews noted.