Vatican Hosts AI Ethics Forum, Exploring Church’s Role in Tech Morality

In a recent Vatican forum, experts from technology, theology, and ethics gathered to discuss the role of AI ethics and the Catholic Church’s guidance in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. As reported by Diocese of Scranton, the conference, held at the Pontifical Academy for Sciences on October 24-25, emphasized the church’s capacity to provide “clear moral leadership” in managing the implications of advanced AI. MIT professor Max Tegmark, president of the Future of Life Institute, highlighted that, much like its stance on human cloning, the church’s ethical opposition to unchecked artificial general intelligence (AGI) development could influence global policies, urging a pause until AGI can be safely controlled.

This unique forum builds on the Vatican’s recent AI-focused initiatives. Pope Francis, who addressed AI ethics in his World Day of Peace message, underscored AI’s potential to disrupt labor markets and human dignity without ethical oversight. The forum echoed his concerns, with speakers emphasizing the need for AI to supplement rather than replace human roles.

Taylor Black from Microsoft and Anthony Granado from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops discussed AI’s dual role. Black noted the church’s unique understanding of the human person, viewing AI’s emergence as a chance for ethical guidance in a tech-driven world. Granado highlighted AI’s potential as a catechetical tool, envisioning ways it could serve educational and evangelistic efforts while protecting the dignity of work.

Dominican Father Eric Solobir, of the Human Technology Foundation, stressed the importance of shifting tech ethics towards promoting human flourishing rather than merely pursuing profit. The Catholic Church, he argued, can inspire a “paradigm shift” within the tech sector, incorporating virtue ethics to create a more humane technological future.

This Vatican conference reflects a growing commitment within the church to shape AI’s ethical use, ensuring it respects human dignity and aligns with broader moral values. For more insights, read the full article on Diocese of Scranton.