Vatican Launches AI-Based Services for St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican has launched new artificial intelligence (AI)-based services for St. Peter’s Basilica. This allows virtual access to the Renaissance architectural treasures and provides optimized tours for visitors. The new services were launched in anticipation of the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” or Jubilee in 2025, which is marked every quarter of a century.

A Digital Replica and AI-Driven Exhibitions

The Vatican, in collaboration with tech giant Microsoft and Iconem, a company specializing in digitizing heritage sites, has developed a new interactive website, a digital replica of the basilica, and two AI-driven exhibitions. The basilica, which is visited by 40,000 to 50,000 people daily, was scanned using drones, cameras, and lasers to create a 3D model. The collected data was assembled, processed, and populated using AI algorithms.

The drones flew over the basilica at night for four weeks, capturing 400,000 photos and collecting a data volume equivalent to a 6-kilometer-high column of DVDs.

Bringing St. Peter’s Basilica to a New Generation

“We are giving St. Peter’s Basilica not just to the world, but to a new generation, in a language more accessible to the times we live in,” Microsoft CEO Brad Smith stated.

While AI can expand access to knowledge, Pope Francis emphasized that it should be used exclusively in an ethical manner for the benefit of humanity.

“The correct and constructive use of the potential of AI, which is certainly useful but can be ambivalent, depends on us,” Pope Francis said during the presentation of the project.

The Impact of AI on Heritage Preservation

The use of AI in the preservation and exploration of heritage sites like St. Peter’s Basilica showcases the potential of technology in making history and culture more accessible to a wider audience. This initiative not only preserves the architectural features of the Basilica but also allows a global audience to experience its grandeur virtually.

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the integration of AI in preserving and promoting cultural heritage can play a crucial role in education and tourism. This project by the Vatican serves as an example for other institutions to leverage technology in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.