The Vatican, in collaboration with Microsoft, has launched a Minecraft educational edition titled “Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage,” allowing students worldwide to explore and restore a virtual version of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Revealed at a press event in Rome on March 18, the game features recreated landmarks including Michelangelo’s dome, Bernini’s colonnade and the tomb of St. Peter.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, placed the educational experience under the patronage of St. Joseph, highlighting its role in guiding students through historical and architectural learning.
Players assume the role of Vatican restorers, completing restoration tasks to earn golden papal key tokens. These activities provide interactive lessons on art, architecture and history.
The game allows you to “to discover the history of the basilica and to enter into the hidden meanings that it holds,” said Cardinal Gambetti.
The educational game is available via the Minecraft Education library and through a free trial with Microsoft educational accounts.
Editorial credit: Antlii / Shutterstock.com
