Swiss Church Pilots AI-Powered Jesus in Confessional Booth

Over 1,000 visitors engaged with the experimental AI, designed to respond to theological questions in real time.

St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, introduced an AI-powered Jesus hologram in August as part of a temporary experiment on faith and technology.
The AI, named Deus in Machina, is trained on the New Testament, speaks over 100 languages, and provides real-time responses to visitors' questions.
More than 1,000 people interacted with the AI during the two-month trial, with mixed feedback ranging from spiritual fulfillment to skepticism about its authenticity.
Theologians involved emphasized that the AI was not intended to replicate traditional confessions but to explore new ways of engaging with faith and spirituality.
Critics raised ethical concerns about using AI in religious contexts, questioning its credibility and the potential risks of relying on non-human spiritual guidance.