Vaticano Web3: the project with NFT prizes that give access to manuscripts from the Vatican Apostolic Library

Yesterday, the new progetto sperimentale “Vatican Library Web3 Support Project” was launched, which rewards users with NFTs, giving access to 21 manuscripts

The Vatican continues to explore the possibilities of Web3 with a new experimental project. This time, Italian users can earn NFTs for sharing the project or making donations. In return, these NFTs will grant access to a special collection of 21 manuscripts from the Vatican Apostolic Library.

The project, titled "Vatican Library Web3 Support Project," was launched in Italy by NTT DATA Italia, a Japanese multinational leader in the IT sector, and the Vatican Apostolic Library. It follows the successful launch of a similar project in Japan earlier this year.

The primary goal of the project is to expand the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana's online community by fostering connections between the cultural institution and its supporters.

To achieve this, the project incorporates NFTs as rewards for Italian users who support the initiative. Here's how it works:

Italian users have until July 16 to share the project on their social channels or make donations to the Vatican Apostolic Library through the initiative's website.

In exchange, users will receive an NFT prize, which serves as a key to "open" and view the special collection. This collection includes high-resolution images of a selection of 21 manuscripts from the Library's vast heritage.

Specifically, users who support the initiative by sharing on social channels will receive an "NFT Silver" and will be able to view high-resolution images of 15 manuscripts on the website.

Those who wish to further support the project with a donation will receive an "NFT Gold," granting access to all high-resolution images of the selection.

Commenting on the project, Don Mauro Mantovani, Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library, said:

"The project conceived by NTT DATA fully embraces the mission of the Library: to make accessible to the public the unique collections that distinguish it and at the same time foster research and scientific development."

"The Library not only recognizes the value of the new communities that NTT DATA is creating, but trusts that NTT DATA will undertake future initiatives by creating similar systems with different partners around the world. For this reason, we are pleased to participate in this joint project that leverages the technological opportunities characteristic of Web3."

The project may also include the introduction of new digital content formats in the future, such as the possibility of visiting spaces through immersive experiences in XR.

Earlier this year, His Holiness Pope Francis also showed interest in Web3 by launching his first collection of NFT artworks. The Scholas Occurrentes collection, a limited edition, was made available on the AkoinNFT marketplace.

Proceeds from the sale of the first limited edition signed by the Pope were donated to the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation, the Pope's global charity organization.