AI, Faith, and Ethics Discussion

AI and Ethics: A Faith-Based Perspective

Pope Leo XIV recently highlighted the significance of AI development in shaping his papal name, drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Rerum Novarum. This historical document addressed social issues during the industrial revolution, and Pope Leo XIV sees parallels in the challenges posed by AI today. The Church's social teaching is being applied to navigate these modern complexities, focusing on preserving human dignity, justice, and the future of labor.

The Catholic Union and Farm Street Church hosted a panel discussion titled 'AI, Faith and Ethics at a Crossroads: Discerning the Way Forward.' This event delved into the moral and spiritual challenges brought about by technological transformation, exploring how AI impacts various aspects of society.

Opportunities and Risks of AI

Dr. Karen Singarayer, Vice-Chair of the Catholic Union of Great Britain, discussed the dual nature of AI development. While AI presents opportunities, it also poses risks to both manual laborers and professionals. The increasing use of AI in generating written, video, and audio content raises questions about the future of creative and learned vocations. These developments prompt deeper reflections on human presence, relationships, education, healthcare, and evangelization.

Dr. Singarayer also acknowledged the late Pope Francis as a leading moral voice on AI. Pope Francis was mindful of the common good and warned against the unchecked development of war instruments, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in AI advancements.

Jen Copestake, Correspondent at China Global Television Network Europe, noted that AI is deeply embedded in our lives. This integration presents moral and philosophical crossroads, questioning the limits of AI capabilities and their impact on human diversity and empathy.

AI and the Future of Work

Ms. Copestake highlighted the pitfalls of AI, noting that it is not always programmed to embrace human diversity. She questioned whether machines can replicate human empathy and dignity. Referencing Laudato Si, she emphasized Pope Francis's insistence that technological change should not make people obsolete. She mentioned a prediction that by 2030, 375 million workers may need to migrate or transition due to AI's impact on the job market.

The potential transformation of 70% of jobs due to AI underscores the need to protect workers and the meaning behind their work. Ms. Copestake suggested that a universal basic income could be necessary to preserve human dignity. Additionally, she stressed the importance of improving AI's ecological impact, advocating for sustainable resource use in line with Catholic social teaching.

AI and Evangelization

Matthew Harvey Sanders, CEO of Longbeard and Creator of Magisterium AI, discussed the use of AI in evangelization. He noted that some individuals are more comfortable discussing their concerns with a chatbot than approaching a priest. This approach is not intended to replace priests but to meet people where they are, sharing testimonials of those beginning their journey to the Church or clarifying misconceptions.

Sanders also mentioned the accelerated digitization of the Church's library holdings and the development of the Catholic language AI model Ephrem. These initiatives aim to enhance the Church's outreach and engagement in the digital age.

Fr. Michael Baggot, Professor of Theology at Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome, emphasized the Church's foundation in relationship with God and each other. He described the Church as expert in humanity, hoping to accompany people and their needs. Fr. Baggot cautioned against the abuses of AI's virtual world, its seductive nature, and its lack of compassion. He warned against outsourcing moral agency, stressing that while AI works with data, it should not replace human responsibility.

The panelists hoped that AI could liberate from toil but feared job losses, social unrest, and information overload. They underscored that AI should enhance human wisdom and never replace humanity, emphasizing the incarnational nature of God.