St Peter’s Basilica was consecrated on 18 November 1626.
The Vatican will mark the 400th anniversary of St Peter’s Basilica with new booking apps, expanded visitor access and a custom font inspired by Michelangelo’s handwriting.
The initiatives were unveiled on Monday by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Basilica, ahead of the upcoming milestone on 18 November.
The projects, designed to bridge the church’s Renaissance history with the digital age, aim to enhance the experience for the thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit the site daily.
1626 consecration
The current St Peter’s Basilica was consecrated by Pope Urban VIII on 18 November 1626, exactly 1,300 years after the original Constantinian basilica was dedicated.
As the four-century mark approaches, the Fabbrica di San Pietro – the office charged with the building’s administration and upkeep – is expanding the basilica’s “mission of welcome” through a partnership with major tech and energy firms.
AI and ‘Michelangelus’ font
In a unique cultural tribute, the Vatican announced a collaboration with Microsoft and Studio Gusto to create a new digital font called ‘Michelangelus’.
The typeface is modelled directly after the handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti, the basilica’s most famous architect.
This font will be integrated into Microsoft Office, allowing the Renaissance master’s aesthetic to be used in modern digital communication.
The partnership also includes a new multilingual app will provide real-time information and spiritual content, including real-time AI-assisted translations accessible by smartphone.
