The Vatican’s Involvement in Artificial Intelligence
The Vatican and Artificial Intelligence in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. With the recent election of Pope Leon XIV, the Vatican’s commitment to AI has become more apparent. However, this is not a new topic; it predates the popularity of ChatGPT and when AI was on everyone’s lips.
A Historical Perspective
The journey began even before ChatGPT and widespread AI discussions. On February 28, 2020, the “Rome Call for AI Ethics” was launched, an initiative promoted by the Pontifical Academy for Life and championed by Pope Francis. The aim was clear: to ensure AI serves humanity without replacing our creativity, sensitivity, or wit.
But can a market projected to reach $757 billion by 2025 and expected to grow by 20% by 2034 truly change course? Which company or nation would be willing to halt or adjust their AI interests for an ethical call?
The Intriguing Role of a “Vigilant Ethicist”
For those following AI advancements and risks, the idea of having an “ethical watchdog” like the Vaticano seems intriguing. Either we get stuck between philosophical discourse and marketing, or perhaps someone or something might alter the direction.
The Rome Call isn’t merely an idealistic or theological declaration. It’s backed by significant players like the FAO, Italy’s Ministry of Innovation, religious leaders, and tech companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco. Notable AI giants like OpenAI (creators of ChatGPT) or Google are absent from the list, nor is there Chinese participation. Will they join at some point?
Pope Leon XIV’s Stance on AI
What does a Pope do regarding Artificial Intelligence?
In his early speeches, Pope Leon XIV highlighted AI as one of the significant moral and social challenges of our time. He chose his name in honor of Leon XIII, who faced radical changes during the Industrial Revolution. Similarly, Leon XIV aims to guide the Church through this digital revolution, focusing on social justice and equitable labor.
Will his support make a difference? His influence is already noticeable: the Rome Call has been the basis for international debates on AI ethics. His focus lies on what is now called “algor-ethics,” designing algorithms that respect human dignity and promote the common good.
Moreover, Leon XIV has proposed an ambitious plan: establishing an “interreligious and international observatory of technological ethics” based in the Vatican. This body would collaborate with universities, governments, and civil society to monitor AI development and generate ethical proposals.
The Vatican’s Unexpected Role in the Algorithmic World
In a world dominated by algorithms, the Vatican’s role may seem surprising—or even irrelevant to some. Yet, it remains a significant diplomatic actor (as an observer state in the UN) whose voice continues to influence major global dialogues, sometimes not for what it proposes but for the personalities and nations it brings to the table.
AI Discourse: Between Two Extremes
The AI discourse currently hovers between two extremes. Some fear it and may never use it, viewing it as a catastrophic threat that will destroy everything (the Apocalyptics). Others are fascinated by what AI can predict, generate, or automate (like the Ghibli phenomenon) and see it as a magical solution to all their problems (the Integrated).
Regardless of our stance—sometimes I’m among the Apocalyptics, other times the Integrated—the crucial question shouldn’t be “what can AI do?” but “what should it do?”. Will Pope Leon XIV help us start asking this question?
