In an era where children are constantly immersed in digital worlds and Minecraft dominates online gaming, the Vatican is making a strategic move to connect with the younger audience—through video games.
Vatican officials have unveiled Peter is Here, a Minecraft-based game that allows players to explore the architectural splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica while learning about its rich history and artistic masterpieces.
Developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s Minecraft Education program, the game is part of the Vatican’s jubilee year initiative, aimed at familiarizing younger generations with the cultural and spiritual treasures housed within the Basilica.
“All within the video game, it is a 3D representation—a complete digital reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica,” explained Allison Matthews, head of Minecraft Education, during a press conference on Tuesday, March 18. “You have a character in the game, and you can walk through the hallways, explore the entire building, interact with the art pieces, the statues, and the mosaics, and learn about their history.”
Assurances on Pope Francis’ Health
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti took the opportunity to reassure the public that the project had been in progress long before Pope Francis was hospitalized with pneumonia.
“If Pope Francis were here, I imagine he would say, ‘You did well to think of this,’” Gambetti stated. “Even the way he lives and testifies to his faith right now reflects that our perspective is eternal. Through fun, in a certain sense, we are transported to another dimension.”
With a hopeful smile, he added, “He’s getting better. We pray a lot and wait for him to return. That is what we want.”
Minecraft as an Educational Tool
This is not the first time Minecraft has been leveraged for educational purposes.
Last year, the initiative UNITED24 recreated Ukraine’s Soledar salt mines within the game. The project aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict while securing funds for the reconstruction of the Velyka Kostromka school, which had been devastated by Russian attacks.
Similarly, the popular battle royale game Fortnite has been used for historical education. Game designer Luc Bernard developed the platform’s first-ever educational Holocaust museum, offering players an interactive experience of key historical events.
The virtual museum includes narratives of figures such as Abdol Hossein Sardari, the Iranian diplomat who issued thousands of passports to Jews fleeing Nazi-occupied France. It also highlights the stories of LGBTQ+ Jews and the Black Panther tank battalion, which played a crucial role in liberating Jewish prisoners.
Gaming as a Gateway to Cultural Heritage
The Vatican’s embrace of video games as an educational tool reflects a broader trend of using digital platforms to engage younger audiences. By integrating history, art, and faith into an interactive experience, Peter is Here offers a novel way for players to connect with the Vatican’s cultural legacy.
As gaming continues to evolve beyond entertainment, projects like this demonstrate the potential of virtual worlds in education and historical preservation.