Virtual Veneration: St. Peter's Basilica's AI-Enhanced Digital Renaissance

The Vatican and Microsoft launched an AI-enabled digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica. Utilizing 400,000 high-resolution images, the project manages visitor flow, identifies structural issues, and offers virtual exploration of the monument. The initiative aligns with the Vatican's ethical tech advocacy, ahead of the 2025 Jubilee.

The Vatican and Microsoft have introduced a groundbreaking digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the exploration and preservation of this iconic monument.

The initiative, featuring 400,000 high-resolution images taken during a four-week span when the basilica was empty, is part of an extensive project to address visitor management and conservation challenges. President Brad Smith of Microsoft revealed the project's scope at a Vatican press conference, emphasizing its technological sophistication.

The digital platform now allows visitors to schedule entry, and through advanced photogrammetry, it facilitates virtual visits and historical education. This effort forms part of the Vatican's broader push towards the ethical use of AI, in line with Pope Francis' call for regulation and cultural preservation.

(With inputs from agencies.)