The Vatican has entered the gaming world by announcing a new Minecraft-based game that allows children to explore St. Peter’s Basilica.

In today’s world, where children spend more time in front of screens and Minecraft has become an important part of the gaming world, Vatican officials have announced a new game based on Minecraft. 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 generation.’ Allison Matthews, President of Minecraft Education, stated, “This video game is essentially a 3D representation or 3D 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 art pieces, statues, and mosaics, and learn the history of each.” “HERE, I IMAGINE THE POPE”

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti said that the project was being developed before Pope Francis was hospitalized with pneumonia and stated, “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 displaying his faith at the moment, we see 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 the Pope’s health, Gambetti said, “He is getting better. We are expecting him to return and we are praying for that.”WHAT IS ST. PETER’S BASILICA?

Known as the largest church in Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most symbolic structures in the Vatican and the Christian world. Along with the first Pope, St. Peter, the tomb of many important religious figures is also located in this structure, which was designed over time by architects such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gain Lorenzo Bernini. St. Peter’s Basilica, which hosts millions of visitors every year, is one of the most important parts of Rome’s silhouette with its Dome.