Teen AI Developers Build App for Vatican Estate

Two Santa Monica high schoolers traveled to Castel Gandolfo, Italy, to develop a location-based tour app and ticketing system for Borgo Laudato Si', the Vatican's ecological living laboratory on the papal estate. The project grew from a chance conversation between their teacher and a Vatican administrator who shared a Northwestern University connection. The app features offline functionality, AI-powered chat, and location-triggered audio and images for visitors exploring the historic grounds. The students, selected based on their AI and machine learning coursework, conducted on-site testing during Holy Week with the goal of securing approval for a full app rollout.