With the educational game "Peter is here", young people are to learn the history and architecture of the Basilica and at the same time become curious about their cultural and spiritual heritage, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, explained to journalists in Rome on Tuesday.
It is about values such as humanity, ecology, creativity and religion. "Pupils and students can learn and have fun at the same time here," says the Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica.
The interactive version of Minecraft, one of the most popular online games in the world, is part of the AI project of Vatican and Microsoft around St. Peter's Basilica, which was presented in November 2024.
Microsoft CEO Brad Smith, who was connected via video, called the Minecraft project a milestone in the partnership between the tech company and the Catholic Church.
"We have succeeded in placing the culture, religion and heritage of this wonderful institution in the hands of children in every country in the world."
400,000 Drone Photos of St. Peter's Cathedral
In the summer of 2023, 400,000 photos of the basilica were taken of 400,000 photos of the Basilica for the AI project for St. Peter's Basilica and supplemented with artificial intelligence into a digital twin of the building.
Two immersive exhibitions in St. Peter's Basilica were also created, as well as a website that allows you to explore the famous cathedral from all over the world.
With the combination of cultural heritage and gaming, they wanted to reach new and younger target groups, it said.
At the game, which is named after an ancient inscription at the Petrine tomb "Peter is here", pupils and students receive restoration tasks in the Basilica.
They are called upon to build up the canopy of Bernini, various statues or the tomb of Peter.
Short information about the individual points is displayed.
Microsoft is also working with the Vatican in the field of AI ethics.
The Group is one of the supporters of the "Rome Call for AI Ethics" initiated by the Pontifical Academy.
However, Microsoft is also under criticism based on activities in the field of facial recognition technology and lobbying.
In 2021, American nuns protested against the company's business practices at the AGL-League's General Meeting.