Pope Francis / Wikimedia Commons (Left), AI / Adobe Stock (Right)
CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis recently emphasized to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences the importance of prioritizing human dignity amid the pursuit of scientific and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.
According to a September 23 Vatican News report, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences is preparing to “discuss humanity’s ‘deep impacts’ on creation and advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.”
In a message to the Academy’s Plenary Assembly, Pope Francis emphasized that “[t]he sciences, in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the physical world, must never lose sight of the importance of using knowledge to serve and enhance the dignity of individuals and of humanity as a whole.”
Focusing on AI, Pope Francis acknowledged the positive advancements in the field, but he warned of potential dangers, such as the use of AI to manipulate public opinion. Pope Francis also reminded the Academy of his message for the 2024 World Day of Peace.
As CatholicVote reported in December, the Pope’s message for the 2024 World Day of Peace was entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Peace.”
He stressed that “the inherent dignity of each human being and the fraternity that binds us together as members of the one human family must undergird the development of new technologies,” according to the report.
Pope Francis has vocalized his concerns regarding AI in the past. He has been a vocal proponent of the prioritization of man over technology.
As CatholicVote reported in July, the Pope spoke at the international conference “AI Ethics for Peace.” He highlighted the necessity of human control over AI for preserving human dignity.
Additionally, in a message for “World Day of Social Communications,” Pope Francis issued a warning of the dangers of AI, stating that it can cause a temptation to attempt “to become like God without God,” CatholicVote reported in January.
