The Vatican and Microsoft’s Digital Transformation of St. Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican and Microsoft have come together to unveil a remarkable digital recreation of St. Peter’s Basilica, merging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence with centuries-old cultural heritage. This innovative project has brought the iconic monument into the digital age, allowing people from around the globe to explore this revered religious landmark through an intricate online experience.
The 3D replica was meticulously crafted using an astounding 400,000 high-resolution images captured over a four-year period by drones, cameras, and advanced laser technology. During a press conference at the Vatican, Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “It is literally one of the most technologically advanced and sophisticated projects of its kind that has ever been pursued.”
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Images of St. Peter’s Basilica were prominently displayed during a preview exhibition titled ‘Petros eni’, which is a key component of this transformative project. This initiative has been strategically launched in anticipation of the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee, a sacred year expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims, in addition to the usual 50,000 daily visitors. The ultra-precise 3D model, developed in collaboration with digital preservation firm Iconem, is built upon a staggering 22 petabytes of data—equivalent to the storage capacity of five million DVDs, according to Smith.
Pope Francis has been an advocate for the ethical application of artificial intelligence. In his annual World Message of Peace this year, he called for an international treaty aimed at regulating AI technologies, stressing that advancements devoid of human values like compassion, mercy, morality, and forgiveness pose significant risks. On Monday, he expressed gratitude to the Microsoft team and the basilica workers involved in this groundbreaking project, marveling at how modern technology is facilitating the dissemination of an ancient faith while preserving a vital piece of global heritage, which will celebrate its 400th anniversary of consecration in 2026.
