US Catholic Bishops form AI task force to protect human dignity

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has established a new task force dedicated to artificial intelligence to ensure the technology respects human dignity. Led by Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, the group aims to provide a moral framework for AI development and address the urgent risks posed by rapid technological advancements.

In addition to forming the task force, several bishops met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for significant safety safeguards and regulations, including measures to protect children online. The initiative follows the vision set forth by Pope Leo XIV in his encyclical, ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ which warns that AI could exacerbate existing power imbalances and emphasizes that technology is not neutral.

Bishop Cantú noted that the Church is viewed by tech leaders as an ‘expert in humanity,’ and the task force seeks to foster collaboration between the religious sector and the tech industry to ensure AI remains focused on the service of all people.