Lucerne Church Trials 'AI Jesus' Confessional

Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne launched the 'Deus in Machina' project in September 2024, featuring an AI-powered Jesus in a confessional booth fluent in 100 languages. Over two months, more than 1,000 visitors engaged, with two-thirds reporting spiritually positive experiences. Developed with Lucerne University and theologian Marco Schmid, the art installation sparked lively debates on AI’s role in faith. While many lauded its innovation, some critics called it a gimmick, leading the church to keep it temporary.