Catholic Church addresses ethical risks of Artificial Intelligence

The Catholic Church is intensifying its theological and practical engagement with Artificial Intelligence, centered on the principles laid out in Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, ‘Magnifica Humanitas’. The Pope has warned that AI can corrupt the foundations of society and cautioned against a technocratic paradigm that prioritizes efficiency and control over human dignity, affection, and moral consciousness.

In Brazil, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has established a dedicated working group comprising academics, professors, and specialists. This group is tasked with studying the impacts, risks, and opportunities of emerging technologies to provide informed guidance to the Church’s leadership and commissions.

Discussions emphasize that while AI can be a useful tool, it lacks human experience, moral judgment, and the capacity for genuine relationship. There are also significant concerns regarding the concentration of digital power among a few entities and the need for sustainable technological solutions to protect the environment.