Background
On 18 March 2025, Microsoft and the Vatican introduced Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage, an interactive program within Minecraft Education that allows students to explore St. Peter's Basilica’s history, engage in restoration challenges, and learn about the intersection of cultural heritage and modern innovation.
Peter is Here blends cultural preservation with cutting-edge technology, allowing students to explore the Basilica’s rich history and understand the critical role of STEM in preserving it. This initiative connects learners to the shared heritage of humanity, showcasing the power of education to unite, innovate, and preserve.
Educational Framework
The program is grounded in four key educational themes:
1. Cultural Heritage & Preservation
2. AI & STEM Innovation
3. Global Connection
4. Ethics & Sustainability
These themes align gameplay with meaningful learning outcomes, fostering critical thinking, historical appreciation, and ethical AI applications.
STEM concepts are deeply integrated into the gameplay, providing hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, materials science, and modern technology.
Catholic Education Focus
1.Faith and Innovation: Connecting students to Catholic heritage while promoting ethical AI use.
2.Spiritual Heritage: Showcasing St. Peter’s Basilica as a cornerstone of the Church’s history.
3.Inclusive Values: Promoting fraternity, sustainability, and global connections.
Quick Reference Guide
The following reference materials offer educators resources to deepen their understanding of the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. By building this contextual knowledge, teachers can help students forge meaningful connections to these sacred spaces as they experience 'Peter is Here.'
General Information
St Peter’s Keys
Pope Francis explains that Peter's keys represent the ministry of authority that Jesus entrusted to Peter in the service of all the Church. (Mt 16:19).
St Peter’s Basilica Facade
The grand facade of St Peter's Basilica is crowned with thirteen colossal stone statues. In the centre stands Christ the Redeemer (6 metres high), and you may be forgiven for assuming that he is flanked by his 12 apostles. However, this is not quite the case. The basilica might be dedicated to St Peter, but the 'Prince of the Apostles' is nowhere to be seen atop the facade of the church. The twelfth figure is, in fact, St John the Baptist, who stands in the place of honour on the right side of Christ.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed here for the continuous adoration of the faithful. A notice reads: "Only those who wish to pray may enter". The Eucharist is frequently celebrated in this chapel, with hymns and community prayers.
Egyptian Obelisk
Baldacchino (canopy)
Rising above the altar is the baldacchino (95ft. canopy), Bernini's masterpiece and first work in St. Peter's. The ancient tomb of St. Peter lies directly below the altar.
Holy Doors
The Holy Door or 'Porta Sancta' is only open during a Holy Year (Jubilee), which occur every 25 years (the last one in 2000). On the first day of a holy year, the Pope strikes the brick wall with a silver hammer and opens it to the pilgrims. The message imparted by the Holy Door is that God's mercy reaches out to mankind's frailty. From inside the basilica, you'll notice that the door is walled up.
The Necropolis