The Vatican announced it will begin offering artificial intelligence-assisted live translations of Mass in 60 languages at St. Peter's Basilica. The service, set to launch next week during celebrations marking the Fourth Centenary of the basilica's dedication (1626-2026), will allow worshippers to follow services on their smartphones via QR code scanning.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City Vicar General, stated: "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."
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.
The translation system uses Lara AI technology developed by language solutions company Translated, in collaboration with Carnegie-AI LLC and Professor Alexander Waibel, a pioneer in AI-powered speech translation. Attendees will access real-time audio and text translations through their web browsers without needing to download an app.
The announcement comes as the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV has shown increased interest in technological solutions while also expressing caution about AI's potential challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor.