(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.17.2024).- The Catholic Church is amplifying its voice in the global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) with a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at addressing the ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions of this transformative technology. As the Vatican implements its first AI-focused laws within its own borders, it is also preparing to release a comprehensive ethical framework for the universal Church, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding human dignity in an increasingly digitized world.
AI Ethics: A Vatican Priority
The Vatican’s latest foray into AI ethics began with the publication of its “Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence” at the close of 2024, a document designed to govern the responsible use of AI within the confines of the Vatican City State. These guidelines will soon be supported by detailed legislation and regulatory frameworks to ensure their practical application.
On a global level, the Holy See is set to release a pivotal document on the ethical challenges of AI later this month. Announced by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the text is a collaborative effort with the Dicastery for Culture and Education. It aims to tackle the moral and societal implications of AI’s rapid evolution.
This initiative is part of an ongoing journey that began in 2016, when the Vatican hosted high-level discussions involving scientists, ethicists, and technology leaders to explore the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies. In 2020, the Pontifical Academy for Life partnered with IBM and Microsoft to launch the “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” which championed principles like transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in algorithmic development.
In subsequent years, the Vatican continued to emphasize the importance of ethical AI through publications like a 140-page ethics manual for the tech industry, released in collaboration with the University of Santa Clara’s Institute for Technology, Ethics, and Culture.
Pope Francis himself has been a vocal advocate for ensuring that AI serves humanity ethically. In his 2023 World Day of Peace message, he urged the global community to prioritize justice and peace in AI governance, warning against the risks of discrimination and inequality.
New Laws for the Vatican City State
In a landmark move, the Vatican recently enacted its first AI-focused legislation. The new laws prohibit discriminatory uses of AI and establish a special commission to oversee experimentation with emerging technologies. These regulations apply to Vatican state institutions, setting a standard for ethical governance while offering a model for broader international cooperation.
AI is just one of several pressing topics the Vatican is addressing through doctrinal and societal documents. Cardinal Fernández has confirmed additional texts are in development:
– Marriage and Monogamy: A reaffirmation of the Church’s teachings on the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage, especially in the context of modern challenges.
– Modern Slavery: A comprehensive exploration of historical and contemporary slavery, focusing on human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation.
– The Role of Women in the Church: A document that seeks to elevate and clarify the contributions of women within ecclesiastical and societal structures.
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