St. Peter's Basilica Comes to Life in Minecraft: Exciting New Educational Tool Launches Worldwide
In an exciting development for educators and students alike, Microsoft's Minecraft Education, in collaboration with the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, has launched "Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage" - an interactive educational experience that transforms the 519-year-old basilica into an explorable, "fixable" Minecraft world.
A Digital Journey Through History and Heritage
As reported in a recent OSV News article by Carol Glatz, this groundbreaking educational tool invites students aged 8-18 to become explorer-restorers of St. Peter's Basilica. Released worldwide on March 18, 2025 (the vigil of the feast of St. Joseph), the game allows young learners to:
Explore the basilica's artistic masterpieces and St. Peter's underground tomb
Use simulated AI-enabled "scanners" to inspect elements needing repair
Problem-solve collaboratively to restore different parts of the basilica
Interact with historical figures including Michelangelo and Bernini
Learn about the intersection of cultural heritage and modern innovation
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, emphasized that the game's focus on learning and collaboration enables children to "experience with others building and winning together in the spirit of fraternity."
Remarkable Accuracy Through AI Innovation
The incredible detail in the Minecraft recreation was made possible through Microsoft's AI-enhanced digital twin of the basilica, created last November. This technological marvel stitched together almost half a million high-resolution images to create a realistic replica that serves both educational purposes and assists actual restorers in identifying areas needing repair.
Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, described the project as "a natural and important extension, another big step forward" in making this cultural and religious heritage accessible to children worldwide.
Students Already Engaged
Secondary school students from Rome's Jesuit-run Massimiliano Massimo Institute were present at the launch, demonstrating the game's features. Two 11-year-old students, Virginia and Vittoria, shared with our reporter that despite growing up in Rome, they had never visited the basilica "in real life." After playing "Peter is Here," both expressed excitement about their upcoming school pilgrimage to the Holy Door for the Holy Year.
"Now I'm looking forward to seeing the basilica. Its history is very interesting," Virginia told our reporter.
Resources for Educators
The platform includes comprehensive educational materials for both public and Catholic schools, with workbooks and resources for teachers, students, and homeschooling parents.
Upon completing the 45-60 minute gameplay experience, students receive a certificate in Latin recognising them as honorary preservers of this cultural heritage site.
"Peter is Here" is now available for all licensed users in the Minecraft Education lesson library. Free trial versions can be accessed by logging in with Office 365 or Microsoft 365 Education accounts.
Educators can find comprehensive resources, lesson plans, and access information at https://aka.ms/peterishere.
Images courtesy of Microsoft/Mojang Studios
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