Why the Catholic Church Must Address AI

At the start of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV signaled a commitment to addressing the growing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI). This is a timely and crucial move in our fast-paced global economy. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a reality deeply embedded in every aspect of life. As the world is redefined by the Third Wave Industrial Revolution, the moral and spiritual authority of the Catholic Church is essential for providing oversight.

For two centuries, the Church has been a strong moral and theological voice during periods of social change. Whether through 'Rerum Novarum' by Pope Leo XIII in 1891 or 'Fratelli Tutti' by Pope Francis in 2020, the Church has steered the moral climate when social conditions go astray. Now, as AI reshapes work, relationships, and community life, the Church must rise to provide guidance. If it fails to speak prophetically, it will enable leaders and businesses to change the nature of our reality.

One of the most pressing concerns is the transformation of work. When Bill Gates declares that doctors and teachers will be obsolete in a decade, we must question the potential for technological overreach. AI is already causing job displacement. A 2023 report found that nearly 4,000 jobs were lost to new technology in just one month, contributing to ongoing employment struggles.

Catholic teaching emphasizes that work is more than a paycheck; it is a way to commune with God. As St. John Paul II wrote in 'Laborem Exercens,' 'Man, created in the image of God, shares by his work in the activity of the Creator and continues to develop that activity.' Fighting against dehumanization requires recognizing the sacredness of work. In an AI-driven economy, the dignity of workers is often disregarded, and their roles are supplanted by the artificial. God did not create the world without humans as co-workers, and we must uphold this truth.

AI also raises significant ethical concerns, particularly in surveillance technology. In America, where policing is often unjust, the use of AI in facial recognition and police surveillance has sparked controversy. The ACLU has flagged this technology as fueling systemic racism. If left unchecked, AI will further disenfranchise vulnerable communities and erode civil liberties. The Church must condemn the use of AI that disproportionately harms historically neglected communities, as this is a grave moral evil.

The environmental impact of AI is another critical issue. Information and communication technology is projected to account for 16% of global emissions by 2040. Training AI language models can emit as much carbon as five American cars over their lifetimes. This environmental toll is a significant setback for a sustainable future.

AI is also being proposed to replace human interaction, which raises ethical concerns. Human-like chatbots are being programmed to replicate human personality, and some countries are promoting AI relationships as a solution to loneliness. This opens a Pandora’s box of issues regarding human dignity and sexuality. Studies show that a majority of Americans are skeptical about AI, especially its use in hiring and worker tracking. This vigilance is a positive step.

The Church understands the grave moral consequences of AI. The Pontifical Academy of Life published the 'Rome Call for AI Ethics' in 2020, outlining principles like transparency, inclusion, and impartiality. While this is a good start, a new papal encyclical is needed to provide a bold proclamation. The Church must exercise its magisterial authority to advocate for the powerless and uphold the immaterial aspect of our spirituality.

The Church must also invest in education and pastoral guidance to critically engage with AI. Bishops, priests, and the laity must form their consciences on how to navigate the moral and spiritual implications of AI. Parish initiatives should equip all Catholics to discern these issues. As Pope Leo XIV grows in his role, he must provide a prophetic witness against unregulated and dehumanizing AI before it’s too late.

In summary, the Catholic Church must address AI to protect the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of life. This requires a comprehensive approach that combines moral guidance, education, and pastoral care.