Vatican urges AI serve human dignity at UN sustainable‑development summit

The Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission addressed the United Nations Economic and Social Council meeting on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, warning that artificial intelligence can only be considered progress if it serves human dignity and the common good. The Vatican highlighted risks such as neurological impacts, emotional manipulation, and the danger of treating AI as an infallible oracle. It cited the Pope’s earlier cautions that AI could threaten the essence of humanity.

The delegation quoted its representatives: “Por muy eficiente, innovadora o rentable que fuera, no sería realmente una forma de hacerlo mejor,” and emphasized that “la verdadera medida del progreso no residirá en el grado de sofisticación de las tecnologías emergentes, sino en el hecho de que estén o no al servicio de la persona humana.” The Vatican called on companies and users to respect the person’s essence in every technological innovation.

The statement linked AI ethics to the broader agenda of eradicating hunger, disease, illiteracy and inequality, urging equitable economic participation, solidarity‑based societies, and democratic institutions to achieve the SDGs.