3 March 2025

NTT DATA and the Holy See agree to collaborate and cooperate using digital technology

TOKYO, March 3, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, has concluded an agreement to work with the Holy See (Vatican) as a partner and advisor to support its activities in Japan, including its hosting of a pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

At a ceremony held in Vatican City on February 10, 2025, the agreement was signed by NTT DATA and Most. Rev. Archbishop Rino Fisichella on behalf of the Dicastery for Evangelization's Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World.

Going forward, NTT DATA, together with the Dicastery, will build on the agreement to identify opportunities for future collaboration with a view to creating new value through the use of advanced technologies.

Background

NTT DATA has contributed to the development of society in line with its corporate philosophy of striving to "create new paradigms and value, which help contribute to a more affluent and harmonious society."

One such initiative is the company's participation in the Holy See (Vatican) digital archive project. Since the launch of this project more than 10 years ago, NTT DATA has been undertaking the important mission of helping to ensure that Vatican City's valuable assets, which can be regarded as the historical heritage of all of humanity, can be passed down to future generations. It has done so by leveraging AMLADTM, an outstanding digital archive technology developed by NTT DATA.

Overview

The agreement aims to further enhance this initiative and strengthen the ongoing partnership between the two parties.

The year 2025 is a significant milestone for the Holy See (Vatican), which is marking the Jubilee Year under the theme of "Pilgrims of Hope" as well as participating in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai under the theme "Beauty brings Hope."

In light of this, on February 10, 2025, NTT DATA and the Holy See (Vatican) Dicastery for Evangelization represented by Archbishop Fisichella, the chief coordinator of the 2025 Jubilee and the director of the Holy See Pavilion, signed the agreement at the signing ceremony held in Vatican City to facilitate collaboration regarding the Holy See's various activities in Japan, including its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

"NTT DATA is our Technology Partner in Japan. We appreciate their support for our participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and we are very pleased to be working with a company that understands the significance and importance of the role and activities of the Holy See, that are present in so many parts of the world", Archbishop Rino Fisichella remarked.

Figure 1: At the signing ceremony (February 10, 2025 in Vatican City) (Left: Takashi Sakano, Head of Social Infrastructure in Japan, NTT DATA; Right: Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World, the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Holy See)

Figure 2: Illustration of the Holy See (Vatican) Pavilion

Next steps

Utilizing rapidly evolving cutting-edge technology, NTT DATA will work to address common social issues, including the transmission of cultural heritage, and to create new value by preserving reliable sources of knowledge and making them available for use.

Additionally, at the preview of the Holy See Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the Personalized Sound Zone (PSZ) technology1 developed by NTT Computer and Data Science Laboratories will be used to provide an Acoustic XR experience2 that "enables a world in which one hears only the sounds one wants to hear and others hear only the sounds that one wants them to hear," capitalizing on the concept of the exhibition space.

Going forward, NTT DATA will seek to build on the agreement to unlock further opportunities to collaborate with the Holy See (Vatican) Dicastery for Evangelization, creating new value based on advanced technologies.

Announcement by the Dicastery for Evangelization of the Holy See (Italian only)

Expo 2025: la Santa Sede avvia partnership con NTT Data

Website of Holy See Expo 2025 Osaka (Italian only)

Expo 2025: la Santa Sede avvia partnership con NTT Data

Notes

• 1Personalized Sound Zone technology
  A concept aiming to realize the optimal sound space for each and every person through the company's four technologies under development: spot-sound reproduction technology, acoustic XR technology, active noise control technology, and desired sound selection technology.
• 2Acoustic XR (extended reality)
  Technology that merges real and virtual sound spaces through open-ear earphones
• "AMLAD" is a trademark or registered trademark of NTT DATA Corporation in Japan, Europe(CTM) and United States.
• Other product, company, and organization names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. Visit us at nttdata.com

Contact:
Kawashima, Nakagawa
Social Innovation Division
Social Infrastructure Solution Sector
NTT DATA Japan Corporation
TEL: 050-5545-8933