The Vatican has ventured into the world of gaming and announced a new Minecraft-based game that allows children to explore St. Peter’s Basilica.

In today’s world where children spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens and Minecraft has gained a significant place in the gaming world, Vatican officials announced a new Minecraft-based game. In the game called ‘Peter is Here’, users will explore St. Peter’s Basilica and learn about the historical artifacts in the area. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s Minecraft Education program, the game aims to introduce the Vatican’s cultural heritage to the younger generations. Allison Matthews, President of Minecraft Education, stated about the new game, “This video game is essentially a 3D representation or reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica. You have a character in the game and can walk through the corridors, explore the entire building. You can interact with artworks, statues, and mosaics and learn the history of each.” “I IMAGINE THE POPE HERE”

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti said the project was being developed before Pope Francis was hospitalized with pneumonia and added, “Here, I imagine Pope Francis and he would probably say: You did well to think about this. Even when we look at how he is living and showing his faith, we realize that our perspective is eternal and based on infinity. Therefore, what we are doing is in a way transcending to another dimension through entertainment.” Speaking about Pope’s health status, Gambetti said, “He is getting better. We are waiting for him to return and praying a lot for that.” WHAT IS ST. PETER’S BASILICA?

Known as the largest church of Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most symbolic structures in the Vatican and the Christian world. Alongside the first Pope, St. Peter, this site also holds the tombs of numerous important religious figures and was designed by architects such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini over time. Hosting millions of visitors every year, St. Peter’s Basilica, with its Dome, is one of the most significant parts of Rome’s skyline.