According to ACIprensa, the Vatican is set to launch a groundbreaking artificial intelligence system that will translate Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica into up to 60 languages in real time. The initiative will allow worshippers from around the world to follow the liturgy live on their smartphones in their own languages.
The system, expected to debut this spring, will operate directly through a web browser. Attendees will not need to download an application or use special devices. Instead, QR codes placed at entrances and designated points inside the basilica will direct users to a website where they can access both audio and text translations instantly as the celebration unfolds.
The translation technology is powered by Lara, an advanced artificial intelligence tool developed by Translated in collaboration with Carnegie AI LLC. The project is spearheaded by the Fabric of St. Peter together with the Dicastery for Communication and technology partners.
Ad: Enroll for any of our programs
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, said the initiative reflects the Church’s universal mission. For centuries, the basilica has welcomed faithful from all nations and languages. The new tool, he said, will help more people fully understand the readings, chants, and prayers of the Mass.
Testing has already begun with selected groups to assess functionality before the official rollout.
The AI translation project is part of a broader technological transformation within the Vatican. A new digital visitor management system called SmartPass will help regulate the daily flow of tourists and pilgrims entering the basilica. Integrated sensors will monitor visitor presence in real time to improve security and organization.
In addition, the Vatican has launched an ambitious structural monitoring initiative known as Beyond the Visible. The project uses advanced sensors installed in the basilica’s foundations, facade, dome, and subsoil. These systems can detect even the smallest structural movements, allowing engineers to monitor the condition of the historic building in real time.
Ad: Check Out Our Products
Four centuries after its consecration in 1626, St. Peter’s Basilica continues to blend tradition with innovation. Through artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring technologies, the Vatican is demonstrating how digital solutions can enhance worship, preserve heritage, and serve a global community.
At VINAStech, we celebrate institutions that harness technology to serve communities, and we remain committed to delivering solutions that help organizations communicate, innovate, and make a lasting impact through technology that matters.
