Vatican City has embraced the digital age with the recent launch of a new educational edition of Minecraft, inviting students to engage with one of the world’s most iconic structures: St. Peter’s Basilica. This innovative initiative, titled “Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage,” was unveiled by Microsoft and the Vatican during a press event in Rome on March 18, 2025. The project aims to enhance the understanding of cultural heritage through an interactive gaming experience.
Within the pixelated realm of Minecraft, players can explore meticulously recreated elements of St. Peter’s Basilica, including Michelangelo’s magnificent dome and Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s grand colonnade. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasized the educational potential of the game, noting that it allows participants to engage in creative architectural interventions while uncovering the rich history and hidden meanings of the basilica.
Restoring the Vatican, one block at a time
Targeted at students aged 8 to 18, this engaging game positions players as skilled craftsmen and restoration workers tasked with maintaining the basilica. By completing various restoration tasks, participants earn golden papal key tokens, all while deepening their knowledge of the basilica’s art, architecture, and historical significance.
Among the first to experience the game was eleven-year-old Michael Sterpi, who expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This game is like really, really cool. With each block, they made the whole Vatican!” Despite his excitement, Sterpi acknowledged that nothing can truly replicate the experience of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in person.
Minecraft as an educational tool?
The Vatican edition aligns with Microsoft’s broader mission to bring cultural and religious history to life through digital learning. Allison Matthews, head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft, highlighted the effectiveness of introducing complex topics in an immersive 3D environment, making challenging concepts more accessible to students. The platform also features other significant religious and cultural sites, including the Monastery of St. Elian in Syria and the monuments of ancient Rome.
As video games often face skepticism in educational contexts, Mauro Antonelli, head of Italy’s technical secretariat for the Ministry of Education and Merit, acknowledged the need to address gaming addiction among youth. However, he praised the initiative as a prime example of how technology can serve educational purposes, marking a paradigm shift in perceptions of gaming.
The Vatican’s engagement with this project reflects a growing interest in utilizing artificial intelligence and digital tools to connect with younger generations. In April, the Catholic Church is set to canonize Carlo Acutis, a young video game enthusiast, as the first computer-coding saint, further bridging the gap between faith and technology.
Franciscan Father Enzo Fortunato suggested that the Minecraft game could potentially become the official game for the Vatican’s upcoming World Children’s Day event in September 2026, showcasing the church’s commitment to innovative outreach.
Microsoft’s collaboration with the Vatican has been ongoing, focusing on digital preservation projects through its AI for Good Lab. This latest endeavor builds on previous efforts to create an AI-enhanced digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica, employing advanced photogrammetry techniques to capture its intricate details.
How to play Minecraft Vatican edition?
“Peter Is Here” is now available in the Minecraft Education lesson library for all licensed users, with a trial version accessible for free through an Office 365 or Microsoft 365 Education account. The game offers two distinct modes: “Restoration Mode,” where players undertake key restoration tasks, and “Exploration Mode,” allowing them to navigate the basilica and interact with historical figures.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, described the launch as a significant step toward making the Vatican’s cultural and religious heritage more accessible to young people globally. He emphasized the importance of sharing this rich heritage with children everywhere, creating a unique opportunity for learning and engagement.
Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani expressed hope that millions of young people will utilize the game to explore one of the world’s greatest heritage sites, particularly during the jubilee year, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural history.
