THE Vatican And Microsoft recently presented a major technological advance: a digital twin of the St. Peter’s Basilica. This ambitious project uses artificial intelligence to optimize the management of visitor flows while contributing to the conservation of this emblematic monument. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating details of this initiative.

A unique interactive experience

Using 400,000 high-resolution digital photographscaptured with drones, cameras and lasers over four weeks, Saint Peter’s Basilica has a digital replica accessible online. This technology allows visitors, whether on site or virtual, to live an interactive experience that enriches their understanding of this place steeped in history.

• Access to the historical and artistic details of the basilica.
• Remote visits for those who cannot travel.
• Entrance time reservations to avoid long waits.

A pioneering project in conservation

During a press conference at the Vatican, Brad SmithPresident of Microsoft, highlighted the importance of this project: “This is literally one of the most advanced and technologically sophisticated projects of its type that has ever been carried out. »

In anticipation of Vatican Jubilee in 2025this effort aims to welcome more 30 million pilgrims and to improve access to this monument, which already attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per day.

Cutting-edge technology at the service of heritage

The heart of the project lies in the creation of this digital twin thanks to a advanced photogrammetry and artificial intelligence. This ultra-precise 3D replica, developed in collaboration with the company Iconemintegrates 22 petabytes of datathe equivalent of five million DVDs. This amount of data not only allows us to visualize the basilica, but also to identify structural damage invisible to the naked eye, such as:

• Missing mosaic pieces.
• Cracks or damage.

Ethics at the heart of innovation

The Pope Francis stressed the importance of ethical use of artificial intelligence. During his speech, he proposed an international treaty to regulate this technology, emphasizing that AI must be associated with human values ​​such as compassion and morality.

Thanking the Microsoft team and the workers of the basilica, he expressed his admiration for the way in which this modern technology contributes to the spread of an ancient faith, while preserving a precious world heritage which in 2026 will celebrate its 400th anniversary.

A significant investment

Although Brad Smith declined to reveal the exact amount of Microsoft’s investment, he described it as “substantial.” This project stems from Pope Francis’ 2018 initiative to bring technology companies together around the idea of ​​artificial intelligence serving the common good.

Microsoft has also carried out similar projects at historic sites such as the Mont Saint-Michel in France andancient Olympia in Greece, demonstrating their commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage on a global scale.

In sum, the digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica represents a major step forward in conserving cultural heritage and improving the visitor experience. Through this project, the Vatican and Microsoft are paving the way for a new era of interaction between technology and culture.