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Friars turn to modern technology to repair 13th century basilica

Photo: CBS News

Sergio Fusetti went as far as humanly possible after a pair of powerful earthquakes cratered part of the roof of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Yet, almost three decades have passed, and Fusetti has been unable to figure out where more than 80,000 fragments of the 13th century church belong.

"This is impossible," he said in Italian. "Only artificial intelligence can help us here."

And that's exactly what's happening. A team of art historians and software engineers has joined forces with the Franciscan friars to try to finish the restoration — this time with the help of digital wizardry and AI.

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