The Vatican and Microsoft have introduced a remarkable digital reproduction of St. Peter’s Basilica, merging state-of-the-art AI with centuries-old history to bring the iconic structure into the digital world. This 3D model, crafted from 400,000 high-resolution images captured by drones, cameras, and lasers over a four-month span, now enables people globally to virtually explore this revered religious site.
"It is truly one of the most technologically advanced and intricate projects of its kind ever undertaken," stated Microsoft President Brad Smith during a Vatican press conference unveiling the initiative. The project was launched in anticipation of the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee, a sacred year during which over 30 million pilgrims are expected to pass through the basilica’s Holy Door, in addition to the 50,000 who typically visit daily.
The hyper-accurate 3D replica, developed in partnership with digital preservation firm Iconem, incorporates 22 petabytes of data—equivalent to five million DVDs, according to Smith. Pope Francis has advocated for the ethical application of AI and used his annual World Message of Peace to call for an international treaty to govern its use, emphasizing that technology devoid of human values such as compassion, mercy, morality, and forgiveness is too significant to overlook.
On Monday, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to the Microsoft team and basilica workers involved in the project, marveling at how contemporary technology is aiding in the dissemination of an ancient faith and the preservation of a piece of global heritage, which marks its 400th anniversary of consecration in 2026.
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