What was announced
The Vatican has introduced a live translation service for the Holy Mass using artificial intelligence: audio and text in real time are available simultaneously in 60 languages. The initiative was implemented in partnership with the language company Translated; visitors only need to scan a QR code in the basilica to open a webpage with the translation — without installing a separate app.
"The decision is intended to make the liturgy more accessible to pilgrims and tourists from different countries who visit the basilica every day."
— Vatican News
How it works
The technological foundation is the Lara platform, introduced by Translated in 2024. According to the developers, the system combines artificial intelligence algorithms with the expertise of a large network of professional translators, which should reduce typical machine-translation errors and improve stylistic alignment with liturgical texts.
"The system combines artificial intelligence algorithms with the expertise of a large network of professional translators."
— Translated (press release)
Why it matters
For pilgrims: quick access to translation removes the language barrier and makes services more understandable for people from different countries, including the diaspora.
For the Vatican as an actor of soft power: technological tools expand the audience and demonstrate a modern approach to pastoral care — part of digital diplomacy that resonates with the international community.
For Ukraine: this project differs from the humanitarian aid the Vatican has provided recently — for example, the transfer of generators at the Pope's request. But both initiatives shape the image of the Vatican as a partner that combines moral support and practical assistance. At the same time, interest in AI applications to optimize public services is growing in Ukraine — and this experience could be useful for church and social practices.
What risks and controls are needed
Automatic translation of liturgical texts raises two key requirements: accuracy (ritual and theological correctness) and transparency (how audio and user data are processed). These issues require public standards and independent quality checks, especially when texts have sacred significance for the faithful.
Conclusion
This is not just a technical novelty — it is a step toward the digital inclusion of religious experience. However, the benefit of such solutions will depend on how openly the Vatican and its partners publish their quality-assurance methods, privacy policies and feedback mechanisms. For Ukraine, it is also an opportunity to adopt practices of digital accessibility and a reminder: technology helps, but is accountable to human oversight.
Whether algorithms can combine the speed of translation with the accuracy required by faith — a key question for the next stages of implementation.
