Vatican: St Peter's Basilica enters virtual space with AI support

"We have come to define a coordinated plan of services and communication activities for an 'outgoing Basilica'," explains Cardinal Mauro Gambetti. "In recent years, we have faced the splendid challenge of the relationship between man and technology with the spirit of fraternity, which has animated important collaborations based on circularity, of skills, points of view and means, with the common goal of fostering the human growth of people. In this way, we were able to structure an information system for the Factory, put an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) at the service of the Offices, and start the process of computerising document, archive and human resources management; in addition, we realised the first step of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) of the Basilica'.

"Then," adds the archpriest of the Basilica and president of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, "platforms and apps have been created to offer services to pilgrims and visitors in order to favour their experience in St. Peter's; and the meanings guarded by the monumental complex have been made more comprehensible - through multimedia languages, the use of Artificial Intelligence and the proposal of training courses".

"Artificial intelligence allows us to admire this Basilica in a unique and innovative way never seen before," said Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft. "This partnership, which combines institutions and technological innovation, has created a memorable experience for all those who want to learn more about the history and significance of this extraordinary place.

"When we have an inspiration, it is as if a light is turned on. And this project, I hope, will turn on many lights in the world. Thus, with the Basilica in the digital space, a new process of communication begins, with a new work of art that continues on the path of those who have worked on the beauty of the message that starts from the heart of Christianity," says Father Enzo Fortunato, Director of Communication of St. Peter's Basilica, who anticipates: "On 25 November we will present, together with the Cardinal Archpriest, in agreement with the competent bodies, the communication plan of St. Peter's Basilica.

"We have been animated by a desire that is not simply aesthetic or linked to a technological innovation," explains Microsoft project coordinator Father Francesco Occhetta. "Many people are looking for a sacred space where they can find themselves before God, and the digital reconstruction of the Basilica will be able to help this encounter in every corner of the world. For this reason, this 3D vision reconnects the sacred architecture to the body of St. Peter and represents an extension of it'.