VATICAN CITY.- The St. Peter’s Basilica prepares to celebrate 400 years of its construction (1626-2026) and has launched a series of services aimed at millions of faithful that reach the heart of the Vatican -20 million in the last year alone-.
Among the most striking new features is a new typography which will be available soon in computer writing programs. Is called “Michelangelus” and was developed from the study of the calligraphy of Miguel Ángel Buonarrotione of the emblematic artists in the history of the Vatican.
“Smart pass” for faster access
The program of initiatives for the 400th anniversary of the Basilica was presented #SanPietro. Thanks to the “Beyond the Visible” project it will now be possible to digitally monitor the architectural structure of the monument#VaticanNewsIT
Read here ⬇️https://t.co/PWMCcZA91n
— Vatican News (@vaticannews_it) February 16, 2026
There will also be a “smart pass” to facilitate more agile – or at least more organized – access, in addition to an application with the readings and songs of the mass, and simultaneous translation in 60 languages. The space on the terrace where there is a refreshment point for pilgrims will also be doubled.
The closing of this period of celebrations will be in charge of the Pope Leo XIVwho will chair a mass in the basilica on November 18.
Proyecto “Beyond the visible”
In this context, the project “Beyond the visible” (Beyond the Visible), presented this Tuesday in the Vatican press room. The initiative is the result of collaboration between the San Pietro factory and the energy Eniand aims to safeguard the structural stability of the basilica through a permanent and integrated monitoring system.
The alliance with Eni, as technical sponsor, seeks to preserve over time the “state of health” of the temple and, at the same time, its magnificence. The work contemplates the use of advanced technologies geophysical, geological, topographical and structural research, supported by high-precision monitoring systems.
To decongest the flow of pilgrims – whose lines did not decrease even after the end of the Jubilee – the terrace of the basilica will be completely opened for them. The area of the refreshment point will increase from 50 to 100 square meters and the number of toilet services available will be expanded.
“Statio” of the pilgrims
“It will be the ‘statio’ of the pilgrims,” stated the cardinal archpriest of the basilica, Mauro Gambettiwhen presenting the news. The cardinal avoided giving details about the future menu, although he stressed that it will follow sustainability criteria, in line with the decisions adopted in recent years by the San Pietro factory.
“In recent years we have embarked on an organic path that led us to think of the Basilica as a living system, which must be known, guarded and communicated with tools appropriate to our time,” Gambetti explained. And he added: “The project carried out with Eni and the other initiatives project their gaze towards the future, towards the fourth millennium, integrating historical research, scientific study and digitalization.”
On the occasion of the fourth centenary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican announced the opening of areas of the monumental complex that until now were not accessible to the public, as well as a new digital access system. https://t.co/zvb37NsF7i
— ACI Prensa (@aciprensa) February 16, 2026
For its part, Claudio Granatadirector of Stakeholder Relations & Services de Enihighlighted that the collaboration with the San Pietro factory “has deep roots and reflects a business vision that considers the care of cultural heritage as an integral part of its
responsibility towards the common good.”
According to him, the project deploys advanced technologies and a multidisciplinary team to carry out an unprecedented scientific study on the foundations of the basilica and its dome.
Gambetti also referred to some recent episodes that occurred at the temple, which included obscene acts and damage to sacred objects.
“There are many weaknesses,” he commented, referring to those responsible for these acts of desecration.
However, he made it clear that the decision is not to “militarize” the basilica, since – he stated – “we want to preserve that spirit of freedom for all those who enter the temple.”
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