During a significant panel in London, Catholic intellectuals discuss the ethical and existential impacts of artificial intelligence, resonating with Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for ethical consideration within the context of the digital world.
Insights and Reflections of the Papal Technological Entrustment Romanus Leonis IV
Pope Leo XIV, speaking to the Cardinals for the first time as Pope, unveiled that one of the reasons for choosing Pope Leo XIV was the challenges posed by AI. Just like Pope Leo XIII focused on the social problems created by the first industrial revolution and wrote an encyclical called Rerum Novum, Pope Leo XIV remarked how he imagines the church’s engagement with other modern turning points of a tech change, particularly how AI advances, in a responding way. He acknowledges AI as part of a new industrial revolution, saying it has consequences for human pride, equity, and work.
Panel VA – AI, Faith and Ethics: The Crossroads of May 18, 2025
On this date, the Catholic Union, in association with Farm Street Church in Mayfair, inaugurated a new panel called “AI, Faith and Ethics at a Crossroads—Discerning the Way Forward” to discuss the intersection of faith and technology and its increasing relevance in contemporary discourse. Dedicated to addressing the heightened ethical and spiritual burden as a result of Artificial Intelligence technologies, the event sought to present possible ways of addressing its increasing monstrosity.
Under Ref: Bishops Conference—Catholic—Singary—Vice Chair…
The opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Karen Singarayer, outlining some key pros and cons of her research in AI technology advancement. She made this remark: “There is prospect in AI’s abusive nature and…” “The AI revolution ushers in immense capability and other disclosures as previously Chino’s perain pinaka pasoya …”
It appears that the AI revolution is affecting both central professions and manual laborers. Machines are increasingly encroaching upon tasks that were once the sole purview of human intellect, such as written language. AI is also becoming increasingly capable of generating video and audio content. Professions that have for a while held societal esteem are now beginning to appear automatable.
Dr. Sorangsai Singarayer has graciously remembered Pope Francis for being the moral AI consultant, quoting him on the dangerous ramifications of disallowing autonomous control over weapon systems.
Ethics and the Societal Impact of AI Technology
Jen Copestake, a correspondent for China Global Television Network Europe, highlighted the profound impact of AI on people’s lives, predicting that by 2030, 375 million workers will need to migrate or undergo a transition due to increased AI use. Copestake cited Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, emphasizing that technological change should never render a person useless, and the potential for a universal basic income to protect human dignity. She also discussed the ecological challenges posed by AI, particularly its energy needs, and the moral social doctrine of ethical stewardship in utilizing resources.
The Role of AI in Evangelization and Human Relationships
During the Pontifical Council meeting on the New Evangelization, Magisterium AI creator and Longbeard CEO Matthew Harvey Sanders discussed the use of AI in evangelization. He found that many people are not ready to visit a church but are willing to test their concerns on a chatbot. Sanders also introduced Ephrem, a devout AI designed to convey sophisticated Catholic teachings, as the first of its kind in the world. He also appreciated the progress in digitizing the Church’s reserved manuscripts and library collection.
Religious Views on AI and Humanity’s Dignity
Father Michael Baggot, a theologian at Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, emphasizes the Church’s relational nature and its role in the eternal exchange of interpersonal love. He warns against the virtual world AI pedals, arguing that they may not provide kindness, compassion, or interior life. Baggot also criticizes the idea of outsourcing moral agency to AI, stating that responsibility should not be the burden of AI. He also emphasizes the Church’s concern for equity, sexual, racial, and other aspects.
Navigating the Future with Ethical Discernment
During the question and answer session, some members of the audience expressed hope for AI efficiency mitigating certain types of menial work. On AI-driven efficiency, the panel voiced concerns about job loss catalyzing social destabilization and scapegoating. The panelists underscored the dangers of overdrive and information saturation.
The panel stressed that the AI should not supplant the gift of humanity and personhood, which the incarnational God teaches us: He assumed human flesh and blood to serve ‘flesh’ human beings. AI should stem from human wisdom, upon which this season of history calls for careful discernment.
