Click here for information from the Microsoft website. Click here to go to the Vatican site itself. This use of technology confronts some of the stunning achievements of man without the aid of artificial intelligence or computer guided drafting. Both in building and in art, St. Peter's is an amazing achievement. Construction of St. Peter’s Basilica began in 1506 under Pope Julius II and wrapped up 109 years later, under Paul V in 1615. One of the contrasts of our age is that we have neither the desire nor the patience to begin something whose ending we would not live to see. It is a mark of the ages before us that people with faith and with vision sought to construct something they would not live to finish or complete. I wish it could be said that as a people we had the same will and fortitude to accomplish such a project. Sadly, I fear we do not. We can barely keep up our interest in maintaining such grand ideas begun in stone. Perhaps this project will help us remember the great works of art and architecture which once defined the will and faith of a people who were willing to begin something which must be finished by others. No matter what you think of Rome or of Pope Francis, this is an amazing and commendable project giving the world a chance to see in detail what most never see at all.
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