Introduction to the Catholic Church’s Stance on Artificial Intelligence

The Catholic Church has not always been at the forefront of modern policy, as evidenced by its continued use of Latin in mass until the 1960s. However, the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, is embracing the future, particularly in regards to artificial intelligence. During his inaugural meeting with cardinals, he highlighted the development of AI as one of the most significant challenges facing humanity, as reported by CNN.

The Pope’s Vision for the Future

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the church’s commitment to addressing the implications of AI on human dignity, justice, and labor. He stated, "In our own day, the church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor." He chose his papal name, Leo, as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, who tackled the social issues arising from the first industrial revolution. Pope Leo XIII, who led the church from 1878 to 1903, is renowned for his encyclical "Rerum Novarum" (Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor), which advocated for workers’ rights and supported labor unionization.

Continuation of Predecessor’s Work

Pope Leo XIV is building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also recognized the potential risks of AI if not developed and utilized ethically. Francis issued the document "Antiqua et Nova" (Note on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence), emphasizing that AI developments must "serve human dignity and not harm it." Moreover, Pope Francis publicly addressed AI at the 2024 G7 Summit, describing it as the beginning of a "cognitive-industrial revolution" and cautioning against its potential to exacerbate inequality between nations and social classes. He also delivered remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging those involved in AI development to prioritize human dignity, fraternity, and the common good.

Conclusion

The Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, is taking a proactive stance on the implications of artificial intelligence on humanity. By drawing on the legacy of Pope Leo XIII and continuing the work of Pope Francis, the church is committed to promoting ethical AI development and ensuring that technological advancements serve the greater good of human dignity and justice.