{"id":7253,"date":"2025-03-17T21:49:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T04:49:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/?post_type=stories&#038;p=7253"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:30:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T18:30:31","slug":"minecraft-vatican","status":"publish","type":"stories","link":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/minecraft-vatican\/","title":{"rendered":"Peter is here"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"block_a4d0fa79c9044fd1740a3f5470d2bc77\" \n     class=\"static-theme ticss-e3b93f0d\" \n     data-theme=\"analogous-light-green-yellow\"\n                data-bg-size=\"cover\" data-bg-repeat=\"no-repeat\" data-bg-position-x=\"center\" data-bg-position-y=\"center\"     >\n    <div class=\"static-theme__wrapper\">\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <div id=\"block_2138271db266284e68b2c752de1a3076\" class=\"js-card ticss-8a0791d2 fullwidth-feature-bottom fullwidth-feature-bottom--bottom\" style=\"\">\n                                <div class=\"container row transition--in-up --has-eyebrow\">\n            <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__header-wrapper col-md-14\">\n                <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__header-wrapper\">\n                                        <h1 class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__header fullwidth-feature-bottom__header__size-h2 \">\n                                            Peter is here                                        <\/h1>\n                                                    <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__eyebrow-wrapper\">\n                            <a\n        href=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/collections\/its-happening\/\"\n        target=\"\"\n            class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__eyebrow\">\n        Creativity &#038; Culture    <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__excerpt-wrapper col-md-6 offset-md-3\">\n                            <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__excerpt\">\n                    Minecraft Education and AI teach students the importance of cultural heritage                <\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__media  fullwidth-feature-bottom__media--video transition--media\">\n        \n<div id=\"block_2138271db266284e68b2c752de1a3076_video-player\" class=\"video-player\">\n    <div id=\"videoplayer-1\" class=\"video-player__wrapper js-video-player theme-overlay  has-overlay-image has-overlay-image-mobile\" aria-label=\"Watch \u201cPeter is Here!\u201d\">\n        <div\n            id=\"video-player-overlay-4ad59447-ed11-4a49-9452-003d207da4a2\"\n            class=\"video-player__overlay js-video-player-overlay\"\n            data-label-video-title=\"\u201cPeter is Here!\u201d\"\n            data-label-desktop=\"Two blocky characters in front of a large, detailed building resembling Renaissance architecture, set in a bright, clear day in a stylized digital environment.\"\n            data-label-mobile=\"Two blocky characters in front of a large, detailed building resembling Renaissance architecture, set in a bright, clear day in a stylized digital environment.\">\n            <div class=\"video-player__overlay__container transition--player-overlay video-player__overlay__container--overlay-ultradark\">\n                \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image\">\n                        <picture class=\"js-focal-point\">\n                <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-story-thumb-e1743178558917.jpg 720w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-story-thumb-e1743178558917-256x272.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-story-thumb-e1743178558917-480x511.jpg 480w\"\n            media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"\n            data-focus-x=\"0.040000\" data-focus-y=\"-0.410000\"             \/>\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-hero.jpg 1262w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-hero-256x144.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-hero-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-hero-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-hero-1024x576.jpg 1024w\"\n                         \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-hero.jpg\"\n            data-srcmobile=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-story-thumb-e1743178558917.jpg\"                        width=\"1262\"\n            height=\"710\"\n                        class=\"\"\n            alt=\"Two blocky characters in front of a large, detailed building resembling Renaissance architecture, set in a bright, clear day in a stylized digital environment.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"video-player__overlay__info-container js-video-player-info-container\">\n                <span class=\"js-video-player__overlay__media-button\">\n                \n<button class=\"unlocked-button unlocked-button--circle \" aria-label=\"Play video, \u201cPeter is Here!\u201d\">\n    <span class=\"unlocked-button__icon \"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"translate(3,0)\" d=\"M16.5 9.13397C17.1667 9.51887 17.1667 10.4811 16.5 10.866L1.5 19.5263C0.833331 19.9112 -9.36737e-07 19.4301 -9.03088e-07 18.6603L-1.45985e-07 1.33974C-1.12336e-07 0.569945 0.833334 0.0888199 1.5 0.47372L16.5 9.13397Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n    <span class=\" unlocked-button__pause-icon -hide\"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"12\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M0.5625 0C0.25184 0 0 0.25184 0 0.5625V17.4375C0 17.7482 0.25184 18 0.5625 18H2.4375C2.74816 18 3 17.7482 3 17.4375V0.5625C3 0.25184 2.74816 0 2.4375 0H0.5625ZM9.5625 0C9.25184 0 9 0.25184 9 0.5625V17.4375C9 17.7482 9.25184 18 9.5625 18H11.4375C11.7482 18 12 17.7482 12 17.4375V0.5625C12 0.25184 11.7482 0 11.4375 0H9.5625Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n<\/button>\n                <\/span>\n                                <span\n                    class=\"video-player__overlay__media-title\"\n                    aria-hidden=\"true\">Watch \u201cPeter is Here!\u201d                <\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"video-player__overlay__media-duration\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        01:03                    <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div>\n            <iframe loading=\"lazy\"\n                id=\"4ad59447-ed11-4a49-9452-003d207da4a2\"\n                class=\"video-player__iframe js-video-player-iframe\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                title=\"YouTube video, \u201cPeter is Here!\u201d\"\n                width=\"100%\"\n                height=\"100%\"\n                src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/0yCO23jSHSE?playsinline=1&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;widget_referrer=https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/minecraft-vatican\/&#038;origin=https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\"\n                frameborder=\"0\"\n                data-videoid=\"0yCO23jSHSE\"\n                tabindex=\"-1\"\n                allowfullscreen\n                allow=\"fullscreen;\"><\/iframe>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"video-player__links\">\n        \n\n                    <a\n                class=\"video-player__links--audio\"\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0yCO23jSHSE\"\n                target=\"_blank\"\n                aria-label=\"Watch audio described video on YouTube\">Audio Described <svg width=\"37\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 37 14\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-labelledby=\"icon-6a29433513069\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M25.3413 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spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_6a2943351661a\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-4 column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_6a29433514f23\" class=\"column\">\n    \n<div\n    id=\"block_33fcc90091fe6923e8e60ff1f87067df\"\n    class=\"share-block \">\n    \n<section\n    class=\"social-share js-social-share social-share--left\"\n        aria-label=\"Share Peter is here on social media\"\n    tabindex=\"0\"\n    >\n\n    <div class=\"social-share__item social-share__btn--link-copied js-social-share-link-copied\"\n        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"social-share__btn--link-copied__wrapper\">\n            <svg class=\"svg-icon\"  width=\"10\" height=\"8\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 10 8\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 3.52148L3.8125 6L9 1\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>            Link copied       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M11.436522,13.338465l-0.871624-1.218704l-6.924311-9.68815h2.981339,l5.58978,7.82155l0.867949,1.218704l7.26506,10.166271h-2.981339L11.436522,13.338465z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><title id=\"icon-6a2943351441f\">X<\/title><\/svg>    <\/a>\n\n        <a\n        href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?t=&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Funlocked.microsoft.com%2Fminecraft-vatican%2F\"\n        class=\"social-share__link js-social-share__new-window\"\n        target=\"_blank\"\n        aria-label=\"Share on Facebook\"\n            >\n        <svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-labelledby=\"icon-6a2943351442d\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16.5782 9.43753H13.6116V7.49182C13.6116 6.76112 14.0959 6.59076 14.437 6.59076C14.7773 6.59076 16.5305 6.59076 16.5305 6.59076V3.37844L13.6473 3.36719C10.4466 3.36719 9.71821 5.76304 9.71821 7.29624V9.43753H7.86719V12.7476H9.71821C9.71821 16.9957 9.71821 22.1141 9.71821 22.1141H13.6116C13.6116 22.1141 13.6116 16.9452 13.6116 12.7476H16.2387L16.5782 9.43753Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><title id=\"icon-6a2943351442d\">Facebook<\/title><\/svg>    <\/a>\n\n        <a\n        href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Funlocked.microsoft.com%2Fminecraft-vatican%2F\"\n        class=\"social-share__link js-social-share__new-window\"\n        target=\"_blank\"\n        aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn\"\n            >\n        <svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-labelledby=\"icon-6a2943351443e\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M7.35547 9.06274H3.41797V22.0002H7.35547V9.06274Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path d=\"M16.9197 9.06274C14.668 9.06274 14.0436 9.80074 13.543 10.7502V9.06274H9.60547V22.0002H13.543V14.6877C13.543 13.5627 13.543 12.4377 15.5117 12.4377C17.4805 12.4377 17.4805 13.5627 17.4805 14.6877V22.0002H21.418V14.6877C21.418 11.3127 20.8555 9.06274 16.9197 9.06274Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path d=\"M5.38672 7.9375C6.47403 7.9375 7.35547 7.05606 7.35547 5.96875C7.35547 4.88144 6.47403 4 5.38672 4C4.29941 4 3.41797 4.88144 3.41797 5.96875C3.41797 7.05606 4.29941 7.9375 5.38672 7.9375Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><title id=\"icon-6a2943351443e\">LinkedIn<\/title><\/svg>    <\/a>\n\n        \n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <div\n        class=\"sr-text js-social-status\"\n        role=\"status\"\n    ><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943351452d\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-4 spacer-mobile-2\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_146db9e5b13d08e8bb5f83052e3cdf2d\"\n    class=\"publication-date \">\n    <p class=\"publication-date__text\">March 17, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_6a294335164af\" class=\"column\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433515153\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <p>Students are buzzing with excitement because their lesson is a little different today. They&#8217;re about to embark on an extraordinary quest within Minecraft Education. As Vatican Conservators in the <em>Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage<\/em> game, their task is to preserve the magnificent St. Peter\u2019s Basilica in Vatican City. But before they begin, their teacher introduces them to stewardship, community, and respect for cultural heritage\u2014concepts that are essential to preserving valued spaces. They\u2019ll also learn key vocabulary and how to answer the game\u2019s essential question:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433515a06\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-3 spacer-mobile-2\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433515d25\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h6 class=\"--h6\">How can we use technology to explore, protect, and celebrate cultural heritage sites, and why is it important to work together in this effort?<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433515fb6\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-1 spacer-mobile-1\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943351625e\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <p>For the next 45 to 60 minutes, the students will be using Minecraft tools and AI-enhanced devices to complete restoration tasks at various points in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica. And they\u2019ll learn how to navigate the game by using these tools effectively through guided tutorials. When they complete the tasks, they\u2019ll be free to explore. Eager to dive into this immersive experience, the students launch Minecraft Education.<\/p>\n<p>Once the students are in the open-world style game, they\u2019re guided by the Sanpietrini, a group of highly-skilled workers responsible for the reception, surveillance, cleaning, and maintenance of the Basilica. Together, they encounter points like the Vatican Obelisk, St. Peter\u2019s Tomb, the Baldachin, and the Column in the Main Nave they\u2019ll restore as tasks. Each task requires them to apply their understanding of preservation and restoration to bring these sacred sites back to their original beauty. And as they move forward, they can document their progress and reflect on the importance of teamwork and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433517297\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_6a2943352b709\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-4 row--reverse-mobile column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_6a29433518dff\" class=\"column\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a294335175e7\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up ticss-6ebf7fe9\">\n    <p class=\"--h4\">Explore St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and learn more about this iconic church<\/p>\n<p>Find everything you need to know, including the official lesson plan, teaching materials, and how to launch the game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433517862\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-2 spacer-mobile-1\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_b4d0dded1d18169cbc428f924c9cc915\"\n    class=\"transition--in-up \">\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/aka.ms\/peterishere\" class=\"unlocked-button unlocked-button--generic unlocked-button--generic__secondary\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\" >\n    Open Minecraft Education            <span class=\"unlocked-button__icon\"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1.6878 1.60986C1.6878 1.19565 2.02359 0.859863 2.4378 0.859863H13.0706C13.3849 0.859863 13.6397 1.11468 13.6397 1.429V12.1188C13.6397 12.533 13.3039 12.8688 12.8897 12.8688C12.4755 12.8688 12.1397 12.533 12.1397 12.1188V3.42052L1.95036 13.6099C1.65747 13.9028 1.1826 13.9028 0.889705 13.6099C0.596812 13.317 0.596811 12.8421 0.889705 12.5492L11.079 2.35986H2.4378C2.02359 2.35986 1.6878 2.02408 1.6878 1.60986Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_6a2943352b4dd\" class=\"column\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_221cf0f4722486dc05402a6dc1867309\"\n    class=\"media-block transition--media\">\n    \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image unlocked-media--has-link-indicator unlocked-media--has-caption\">\n    <div class=\"unlocked-media__content\">                <a href=\"http:\/\/aka.ms\/peterishere\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\">\n            <span class=\"unlocked-link-indicator--icon\"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1.6878 1.60986C1.6878 1.19565 2.02359 0.859863 2.4378 0.859863H13.0706C13.3849 0.859863 13.6397 1.11468 13.6397 1.429V12.1188C13.6397 12.533 13.3039 12.8688 12.8897 12.8688C12.4755 12.8688 12.1397 12.533 12.1397 12.1188V3.42052L1.95036 13.6099C1.65747 13.9028 1.1826 13.9028 0.889705 13.6099C0.596812 13.317 0.596811 12.8421 0.889705 12.5492L11.079 2.35986H2.4378C2.02359 2.35986 1.6878 2.02408 1.6878 1.60986Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>    <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-experience.gif 800w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-experience-256x144.gif 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-experience-480x270.gif 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-experience-768x432.gif 768w\"\n                        sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 92vw, 85vw\" \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-experience.gif\"\n                                    width=\"800\"\n            height=\"450\"\n                        class=\"ratio--16-9\"\n            alt=\"A detailed, blocky video game structure resembling a large cathedral interior with columns and arches, featuring bright sunlight streaming through a window.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n    <\/a>    <\/div>    \n<div class=\"media-caption\">\n            <div class=\"media-caption__caption\">After completing their tasks, players can roam and interact with historic NPCs while finding easter eggs.<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943352b9c0\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-8 spacer-mobile-6\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f5ca8bc6d5fc86975188770735875b7\" class=\"transition--in-up \">\n    <div class=\"pullquote pullquote__center pullquote__h4\">\n        <blockquote class=\"quote quote__h4 quote--show-marks\">We want to inspire the builders, the AI technologists of the future.<\/blockquote>\n                    <div class=\"quote__attribution\">\n                                    <div class=\"attribution-name\">Laylah Bulman<\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"attribution-description\">Senior Business Program Manager, Minecraft Education Edition<\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943352d262\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-8 spacer-mobile-8\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_9a433d8dcb24dacd0d35e231e0e5c506\" \n     class=\"static-theme ticss-cbf98cc7\" \n     data-theme=\"analogous-light-blue\"\n                data-bg-size=\"cover\" data-bg-repeat=\"no-repeat\" data-bg-position-x=\"center\" data-bg-position-y=\"center\"     >\n    <div class=\"static-theme__wrapper\">\n        \n\n    <div id=\"block_a7494fc6bc1ffcc92d59642d1e376b41\" class=\"js-card ticss-558733cb minecraft-pan js-full-width-feature fullwidth-feature 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js-button-label\">\n        pause    <\/span>\n<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943354d247\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-9 spacer-mobile-5\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_6a2943354e0c1\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-none column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_6a2943354d707\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943354d5d1\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_6a2943354df07\" class=\"column\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943354dc5a\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h3 class=\"--h4\">Building it with AI<\/h3>\n<p>The project started with the creation of an AI-enhanced digital twin of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for the Vatican. Microsoft collaborated with Iconem, a French company that creates digital replicas of global historic landmarks with advanced photogrammetry techniques and AI. Microsoft\u2019s AI for Good Lab supplies the tech needed to process and analyze the photogrammetry data they collect.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_6a294335769de\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-none column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_6a294335762d1\" class=\"column\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_c89482cf95557dd361c5378146dc1ec5\"\n    class=\"gallery gallery-inner \">\n    \n<section\n    class=\"parallax-grid js-parallax js-parallax-grid\"\n    aria-label=\"Gallery with 2 images\">\n    <div class=\"parallax-grid__wrapper parallax-grid--gallery-inner-dynamic-2-up\">\n                <div\n            class=\"parallax-grid__image js-parallax-wrapper transition--in-up\"\n            data-speed=\"-0.25\">\n            \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-video js-media-video media--small-radius js-has-poster --has-poster unlocked-media--has-caption\">\n    <div class=\"unlocked-media__content\">        <div\n            class=\"media-video__wrapper\"\n                        role=\"presentation\"\n                    >\n\n                    <video\n                id=\"video-4\"\n                class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n                loop                preload=\"metadata\"\n                muted                playsinline\n                data-controlledby=\"group-5\">\n                                <source\n                    src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-floor.mp4#t=0\"\n                    data-media=\"desktop\"\n                    type=\"video\/mp4\">\n                                Your browser does not support the video tag.\n            <\/video>\n                        \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image media--no-radius\">\n                        <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-01.png 1036w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-01-256x289.png 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-01-480x542.png 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-01-768x867.png 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-01-1024x1156.png 1024w\"\n                         \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-01.png\"\n                                    width=\"1036\"\n            height=\"1170\"\n                        class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n            alt=\"A grand, digitally rendered hall with ornate columns, intricate patterned floors, and an elaborate ceiling. An altar-like structure is positioned centrally at the end.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<button\n    class=\"unlocked-button unlocked-button--high-contrast-vfi unlocked-button--circle unlocked-button--circle-small js-media-button\"\n    aria-controls=\"video-4\"        aria-pressed=\"true\"\n    data-controlgroup=\"group-5\"\n    data-loops=\"true\"\n    data-replay-only=\"false\"\n    data-state=\"pause\"\n    data-autoplay=\"true\"\n        >\n    <span\n        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n        class=\"unlocked-button__icon unlocked-button__icon-play\">\n        <svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--lg\" width=\"13\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 13 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M12.5 7.36474C13.1667 7.74964 13.1667 8.71189 12.5 9.09679L1.65385 15.3588C0.98718 15.7437 0.153846 15.2626 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10.9999C16.0002 7.68622 13.3139 4.99992 10.0002 4.99992H6.58608L8.30378 6.71763C8.49904 6.91289 8.49904 7.22947 8.30378 7.42473L7.59667 8.13184C7.40141 8.3271 7.08483 8.3271 6.88956 8.13184L4.06736 5.30964L4.06083 5.30323L3.35373 4.59612C3.15847 4.40086 3.15847 4.08427 3.35373 3.88901L6.88926 0.353478Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg>    <\/span>\n    <span class=\"sr-text js-button-label\">\n        pause    <\/span>\n<\/button>\n    <\/div>    \n<div class=\"media-caption\">\n            <div class=\"media-caption__caption\"><p><span data-teams=\"true\">The Minecraft version of the Basilica features details like its beautiful marble tile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div\n            class=\"parallax-grid__image js-parallax-wrapper transition--in-up\"\n            data-speed=\"0.5\">\n            \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image\">\n                        <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-02.jpeg 1100w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-02-256x229.jpeg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-02-480x429.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-02-768x686.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-02-1024x915.jpeg 1024w\"\n                        sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 55vw, 24vw\" \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/minecraft-02.jpeg\"\n                                    width=\"1100\"\n            height=\"983\"\n                        class=\"ratio--4-5\"\n            alt=\"Ornate interior of a grand cathedral featuring twisted columns, intricate carvings, and soft sunlight streaming through large windows.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_6a29433576804\" class=\"column\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433576546\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <p>When the AI-enhanced digital twin of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica for the Vatican was underway, the team realized there was an opportunity to create a special version for students as well. The collaboration with Iconem and the use of their data meant that it was possible to create an accurate world for a Minecraft. The Minecraft Education team developed the <em>Peter is Here<\/em> game to give students a way to explore history, engage in restoration challenges, and learn about the intersection of cultural heritage and modern innovation while introducing them to STEM education and ethical AI.<\/p>\n<p>One of the main challenges when designing the <em>Peter is Here<\/em> game was creating symmetrical patterns in the marble flooring within the blocky world of Minecraft. The developers had to ensure the mosaics were accurately represented while maintaining the spirit of Minecraft. And since St. Peter\u2019s Basilica is such a huge, expansive space, reflecting the true scale of the church added another challenge. The digital twin helped with these challenges by integrating the structure into the game, allowing the Minecraft team to work from a detailed, realistic model.<\/p>\n<p>From here, the developers used AI to build an awesome gaming experience. They used Copilot to research historic experiences for the game, Microsoft Designer to conceptualize game assets, and Visual Studio along with GitHub Copilot to support game mechanics. Copilot and Azure OpenAI GPT4.0 support text age suitability and accessibility.<\/p>\n<p>The game is designed for learners ages 8 to 18, and is called <em>Peter is Here<\/em> because it includes a narrative about the discovery of Peter\u2019s tomb within the gameplay. Students learn about the finding of a stone in the 1950s that confirmed St. Peter\u2019s tomb rested within St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, important because St. Peter was the first pope of the Catholic church. This archaeological find enhances the educational experience and encourages curiosity through discovery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433576bf5\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-7 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_279492ce3da5ce50064559a61850f50e\" class=\"transition--in-up \">\n    <div class=\"pullquote pullquote__center pullquote__h4\">\n        <blockquote class=\"quote quote__h4 quote--show-marks\">My goal is that students will want to go with their parents to St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and be able to be the tour guide because they already know their way around.<\/blockquote>\n                    <div class=\"quote__attribution\">\n                                    <div class=\"attribution-name\">Justin Edwards<\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"attribution-description\">Director of Learning Experiences, Minecraft<\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943357747f\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-7 spacer-mobile-6\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_6a294335796f4\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_6a294335778d5\" class=\"column column--empty\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a2943357779e\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_6a294335795c1\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433577adb\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h3 class=\"--h4\">A time for reflection<\/h3>\n<p>When everyone finishes the game, each student receives a certificate of completion, giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride. Then the students gather with their teacher to reflect on their experience. They share their thoughts on how they used technology to preserve cultural heritage, and can also create journal entries, make digital presentations, and posters that showcase their knowledge. Throughout their journey today, they learned about the significance of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, the value of historic preservation, and how tech helps protect heritage sites important to communities around the world.<\/p>\n<p><em>Peter is Here<\/em> is only the first large scale project Minecraft Education has taken on and the plan is to add many more places, including historic and modern landmarks. Global heritage sites will be used to tell a story that will give all students a better understanding of other people\u2019s cultures and why they\u2019re significant. And since Minecraft is for everyone, older kids and adults can always play the game, too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433577d46\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-2 spacer-mobile-1\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_dbd7572203fd156a42afe3618b3e3c04\"\n    class=\"transition--in-up \">\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/aka.ms\/peterishere\" class=\"unlocked-button unlocked-button--generic unlocked-button--generic__tertiary\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\" >\n    <span>Play <i>Peter is Here<\/i><\/span>            <span class=\"unlocked-button__icon\"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1.38907 0.957031C1.38907 0.680889 1.61293 0.457031 1.88907 0.457031H24.0429C24.319 0.457031 24.5429 0.680889 24.5429 0.957031V23.2248C24.5429 23.501 24.319 23.7248 24.0429 23.7248H23.5429C23.2667 23.7248 23.0429 23.501 23.0429 23.2248V3.01769L2.09097 23.9696C1.89571 24.1649 1.57913 24.1649 1.38386 23.9696L1.03031 23.616C0.835049 23.4208 0.83505 23.1042 1.03031 22.9089L21.9822 1.95703H1.88907C1.61293 1.95703 1.38907 1.73317 1.38907 1.45703V0.957031Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a29433578436\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-2\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<nav\n\tclass=\"story-tags ticss-3ca4e484\"\n\taria-labelledby=\"block_d91511c3effe7d6c0698c319dcab0f11-topics-label\"\n\tid=\"block_d91511c3effe7d6c0698c319dcab0f11\">\n\t<div class=\"story-tags__inner\">\n\t\t<span class=\"story-tags__label\" id=\"block_d91511c3effe7d6c0698c319dcab0f11-topics-label\">Topics:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"story-tags__link\" href=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/tag\/ai\/\">AI<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"story-tags__link\" href=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/tag\/copilot\/\">Copilot<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"story-tags__pair\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"story-tags__link\" href=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/tag\/gaming\/\">Gaming<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"story-tags__link\" href=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/tag\/history\/\">History<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_6a294335799be\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Minecraft Education and AI teach students the importance of cultural heritage<\/p>\n","protected":false},"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"tags":[209,212,213,228],"class_list":["post-7253","stories","type-stories","status-publish","hentry","tag-ai","tag-copilot","tag-gaming","tag-history","collections-its-happening","entry","page-content"],"acf":{"featured_media_featured_scrim_color":"#07641d","featured_media_card_ratio":"1-1","featured_media_card_image":7748,"featured_media_card_video":"","featured_media_card_video_button_desc":"","featured_media_featured_image":7748,"featured_media_featured_video":"","featured_media_featured_video_button_desc":"","featured_media_featured_headline":"","featured_media_featured_excerpt":"","featured_media_search_image":7747,"featured_media_search_card_image":"","featured_media_search_card_video":"","featured_media_search_card_video_button_desc":"","disable_segoe_serif":false,"settings":{"external_url":"","collections":7}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/stories\/7253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/stories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/stories"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}