BREAKING Vatican's New AI 60 Language Real-Time Translation for Holy Mass Unites World's Pilgrims at St. Peter's Basilica

Faith Meets Future: Saint Peter’s 400th Anniversary Marks a New Era of AI Inclusion 

As we approach the Fourth Centenary of the Dedication of Saint Peter’s Basilica (1626–2026), the Fabric of Saint Peter has announced a groundbreaking AI-assisted live translation service. This technology will allow pilgrims and visitors to follow the Holy Mass in 60 different languages directly through their smartphones.

Breaking the Language Barrier: The Vatican Enlists AI to Unite Global Pilgrims

The project is a collaboration between the Vatican, the translation AI company Translated (utilizing their "Lara" model), and Professor Alexander Waibel.

This marks the first large-scale use of simultaneous AI interpretation within the Vatican's sacred spaces, aiming to deepen the spiritual experience for the global community gathering at the Tomb of the Apostle.

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Leadership Perspectives

His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Basilica and President of the Fabric of Saint Peter, highlighted the mission behind the technology:

“Saint Peter’s Basilica has, for centuries, welcomed the faithful from every nation and tongue. In making available a tool that helps many to understand the words of the liturgy, we wish to serve the mission that defines the centre of the Catholic Church, universal by its very vocation. I am very happy with the collaboration with Translated. In this centenary year, we look to the future with prudence and discernment, confident that human ingenuity, when guided by faith, may become an instrument of communion.”

Marco Trombetti, CEO of Translated, emphasized the human element:

“Language enables meaningful encounters. Offering this service within Saint Peter’s Basilica is a concrete way to place artificial intelligence at the service of listening, participation, and understanding. We are honoured to contribute, with Lara, to an experience that helps people overcome linguistic barriers and feel truly included in the shared prayer of the Church.”

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How the Service Functions

The rollout is designed for simplicity and accessibility:

• Accessibility: Attendees scan a QR code at designated points within the Basilica.

• No Hardware Required: The service runs via a web browser; no app downloads or special headsets are needed.

• Dual Format: Users can choose between real-time audio or text translations.

The system is powered by Lara, an interpretation AI developed by Translated and Carnegie-AI LLC. This initiative follows the principles established at the Third World Meeting on Human Fraternity in September 2025, where global leaders discussed how AI can best serve humanity.

Professor Alexander Waibel, a pioneer in speech translation, added:

“Today, we see the possibility to break language barriers in real time, realised in one of the most meaningful settings imaginable. At the Third World Meeting on Human Fraternity, we recognised mutual human understanding as one of the most significant contributions AI can make to humanity. Bringing live translation to St. Peter’s Basilica is a profound expression of that conviction.”

The service will begin its progressive rollout next week during the Basilica's primary celebrations.

Source: https://translated.com/holy-mass-translated-with-ai