AI and Human Dignity: A Pastoral Letter
Source: cdow.org
The Church on Artificial Intelligence
The dignity of each person and the connection that unites humanity should inform the creation of new technologies. These principles should be used to evaluate technologies before they are used, ensuring digital progress respects justice and promotes peace. On this Pentecost, the Church celebrates the Holy Spirit, who brings life and sends us to share the Gospel. Like the Apostles who spoke the truth in different languages, the Church must share the Gospel amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Technology is part of the Spirit’s work, as the Spirit is present in history, culture, and human creativity. The Spirit guides us to truth, justice, peace, and communion, not domination, deception, or dehumanization. As AI changes our lives, the Church must emphasize the importance of the human person, created in God’s image.
This letter is a resource for reflection and pastoral response, guided by Church wisdom and the Spirit of Pentecost, who renews the earth through grace, truth, and love.
The Centrality of the Human Person
Catholic social teaching holds that every person is made in God’s image. No matter how advanced they become, machines cannot replicate the soul or eternal destiny of a human being. The Spirit of Pentecost unites us through communion, compassion, and mission, not systems or data. AI should serve humanity and not diminish human dignity.
Justice and the Common Good
Maryland experiences both the benefits and risks of new technologies. AI can revolutionize healthcare, education, and public service. However, there are concerns about job displacement, biased algorithms, distorted truth, and the use of AI in lethal weapons. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of justice and peace, and systems should reflect these values. Catholic institutions, leaders, and policymakers should promote ethical AI development, protect vulnerable communities, and advocate for transparency and accountability.
Truth and Freedom
The Spirit of Pentecost is the Spirit of Truth. AI can create false content, blurring the line between truth and falsehood. People, especially the young, must develop discernment and not be manipulated by algorithms. Digital tools can inform, but not form the heart. Catholic educators, families, and parishes should focus on media literacy, moral reasoning, virtue, empathy, authentic relationships, and grounding digital engagement in Scripture and Church traditions.
Solidarity
At Pentecost, people heard the Gospel in their own languages. The Church’s concern must be universal. AI development should not favor the wealthy while exploiting the poor. It should not deepen digital colonialism or create tools of oppression. We must ensure that innovation benefits everyone and promotes peace.
AI in Service
AI, when used ethically, can support the Church’s mission and the common good. Like previous technologies, AI can be used for holiness, healing, and human development.
The Church in a Technological World
The Church must enter the digital world with boldness and hope, forming leaders who understand both technology and morality. Catholic communities in Maryland are already considering technology’s role in various fields, but more is needed. Bishops will promote AI ethics, support Catholic technologists, ensure institutions use technology ethically, advocate for laws that protect the common good, and prioritize AI use to expand educational access, ensuring technology does not widen existing divides.
As the Church has faced turning points, like the printing press and the internet, we are called to discern. As followers of Christ, we should shape the future with courage and faith. AI tests our humanity, ethics, and faith. We must shape technology according to the Gospel. The Holy Spirit should guide us, so that we can be wise, courageous, and united, protecting the image of God in every person. May Mary, Seat of Wisdom, and St. Joseph intercede for us. Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore Robert Cardinal McElroy
Archbishop of Washington Most Reverend William Koenig
Bishop of Wilmington Most Reverend Roy E. Campbell Jr.
Auxiliary Bishop of Washington Most Reverend Juan Esposito-Garcia
Auxiliary Bishop of Washington Most Reverend Evelio Menjivar-Ayala
Auxiliary Bishop of Washington Most Reverend Adam J. Parker
Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore