Catholic Missionaries Discern AI's Role in Faith and Human Connection

Catholic Missionaries Navigate AI’s Role in Faith and Connection

Catholic missionaries, including the Salesians of Don Bosco, are grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in their spiritual and educational work. A recent study across the Americas reveals a cautious embrace of AI, as missionaries seek to balance its potential with the need to preserve human connection and spiritual depth.

The study, which surveyed over 1,500 Salesians and collaborators, highlights both enthusiasm and reservations about AI. While missionaries see potential in AI to streamline tasks and enhance outreach, they also express concerns about the ethical risks and the possible erosion of personal interaction.

Balancing AI’s Potential and Risks

The research, led by Fr. Hugo Orozco, Regional of Interamérica, shows that missionaries are optimistic about AI’s ability to assist with tasks like translations, catechesis, and administration. However, over half of the respondents worry that AI could diminish the personal contact essential to their work. The consensus is that AI should enhance, rather than replace, human connection.

“AI can be a powerful tool, but it must remain subservient to our mission of fostering genuine human relationships,” said one Salesian participant. The study underscores the need for careful discernment to ensure that AI supports, rather than undermines, the core values of faith and community.

AI in Youth Ministries

Young people increasingly rely on digital tools for learning and moral guidance, presenting a challenge for missionaries. The Salesians are redefining their role in what they call “digital courtyards,” focusing on guiding the ethical use of technology among youth. This shift requires missionaries to integrate AI thoughtfully, ensuring it cultivates critical thinking and spiritual growth.

“Our goal is to help young people use technology in a way that deepens their faith and moral compass,” said another participant. The Salesians emphasize that AI must be a tool for fostering authenticity and presence, not a replacement for human interaction.

The Path Forward: Education and Discernment

The study recommends robust formation programs—technical, ethical, and spiritual—to prepare missionaries for AI integration. This includes workshops, peer-learning networks, and mentorship from “AI champions” within their communities. Such training is seen as essential to ensure that AI aligns with the vision of integral education, uniting reason, faith, and affection.

The second phase of the research will focus on young people’s perspectives on AI, faith, and vocation, continuing this dialogue. As one Salesian noted, “AI is not the future; it is already here. Our task is to ensure it serves the human spirit, not the other way around.”

The Broader Implications

The Salesians’ experience reflects a global tension between tradition and technology. Their measured approach offers a blueprint for other institutions navigating AI’s impact. By prioritizing human connection and ethical reflection, they demonstrate that technology can support, rather than overshadow, foundational values.

“The Salesians’ journey is a reminder that while AI can process information, it can never replace the empathy and discernment that define human relationships,” concluded a spokesperson. As AI continues to reshape society, their approach highlights the importance of balancing innovation with spiritual and ethical integrity.