Virtual Exploration: Vatican's St. Peter’s Basilica in Minecraft

An innovative educational initiative has brought the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica into the digital world through the popular game Minecraft. Launched on March 18, 2025, at the Vatican, this project, titled “Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage,” allows students to engage with and virtually restore one of the most iconic religious sites globally. Developed by Microsoft in collaboration with the Vatican and Iconem, a company specializing in cultural heritage preservation, the game recreates Michelangelo’s dome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s colonnade, and the Apostle Peter’s tomb within Minecraft's pixelated universe. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti emphasized the educational potential of this venture under the patronage of St. Joseph, highlighting its ability to immerse players in the basilica’s history and architecture.

This unique gaming experience targets children aged 8-18, inviting them to assume roles as restoration workers responsible for maintaining St. Peter’s Basilica. Through various restoration tasks, players can earn golden papal key tokens while learning about the historical and artistic significance of the site. Michael Sterpi, an eleven-year-old student who tested the game, expressed his admiration for the detailed recreation of the Vatican within Minecraft. Although he acknowledged that nothing could replace visiting the basilica in person, he appreciated the opportunity to explore it virtually.

The initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader efforts to incorporate cultural and religious history into digital education via Minecraft Education. Allison Matthews, head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft, highlighted the benefits of introducing complex topics in an immersive 3D environment, making challenging concepts more accessible. The game also features other significant religious and cultural landmarks, such as Syria’s Monastery of St. Elian and ancient Roman monuments, enhancing its educational scope.

In response to concerns about gaming addiction among young people, Mauro Antonelli, head of Italy’s technical secretariat for the Ministry of Education and Merit, praised the initiative as a paradigm shift, demonstrating technology's positive impact on education. This project reflects the Catholic Church's growing interest in leveraging artificial intelligence and digital tools to engage younger generations. Microsoft’s involvement in the Vatican’s digital preservation projects extends beyond this game, including creating an AI-enhanced digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica using advanced photogrammetry techniques.

The launch of “Peter Is Here” signifies a significant step in making the Vatican’s cultural and religious heritage more accessible worldwide. Available in the Minecraft Education lesson library for licensed users, the game offers two modes: Restoration Mode and Exploration Mode. In Restoration Mode, players focus on specific sections of the basilica, such as the Vatican Obelisk and St. Peter’s Tomb, while Exploration Mode allows them to navigate the basilica, interact with historical figures, and discover its rich history. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, described this initiative as a means of placing the Vatican’s heritage into the hands of children globally, emphasizing its universal appeal.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani expressed hope that millions of young people would use this game to explore one of the world’s greatest heritage sites, particularly during the jubilee year. By integrating cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation, this project exemplifies how innovation can enhance education and foster a deeper appreciation for global heritage among future generations.