Pope Leo XIV on AI
The Catholic Church, not typically associated with technological vanguardism, finds itself grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence under the papacy of Leo XIV. His selection of the name Leo, echoing Pope Leo XIII's work on social justice during the first industrial revolution, signals a proactive approach to the challenges posed by AI. Pope Leo XIV, in his first address to cardinals, highlighted AI's profound impact on humanity, emphasizing the need to reconcile technological advancements with the Church's social teachings.
A Legacy of Social Justice
This focus on the social implications of AI mirrors the concerns of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Pope Francis had repeatedly warned against unethical AI development, stressing the need for human-centric design and deployment. He viewed AI as both a potential catalyst for further injustice and a transformative tool capable of significant positive impact, particularly highlighting the danger of increased inequality between nations and social classes. His pronouncements at the G7 Summit and the World Economic Forum underscored this complex relationship.
Building upon this legacy, Leo XIV has framed the current AI development as a "new industrial revolution", demanding a renewed commitment to safeguarding human dignity, justice, and labor rights in the face of rapid technological change. His statements reflect a growing awareness within the Church of the ethical and social responsibilities inherent in AI development and implementation. This proactive approach recognizes AI's transformative potential while emphasizing the crucial need for responsible governance and ethical frameworks.
Source: Gizmodo